Spectacle Research Articles

Academic performance and musculoskeletal pain in adolescents with uncorrected vision problems

BackgroundUndetected vision problems are common in school children, and a prevalence of up to 40% has previously been reported. Uncorrected vision and lack of optimal eye wear can have a significant impact on almost all aspects of everyday life, such as development and learning, academic performance, pain and discomfort, and quality of life. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between uncorrected vision problems, educational outcomes, and musculoskeletal pain symptoms.MethodsA total of 152 school children (15.1 ± 0.8 years, mean ± SD; 40% males) were included in the study. All participants were recruited from a free-of-charge school vision testing program in Kathmandu, Nepal. Academic grades were collected from the school records of the participants’ nationwide final grade examinations. A questionnaire was used to record the use of digital devices, screen time, and associated symptoms, including musculoskeletal pain (Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scales).ResultsA total of 61 children (40%) had uncorrected vision, with a cycloplegic refraction of SER − 0.53 ± 0.52 (mean ± SD). Children with uncorrected vision had significantly more third division grades (26 vs. 9%, p = 0.004) and shoulder pain in general/during screen use (66 vs. 43/40%, p = 0.008/0.003; 2.1/1.9 vs. 1.1/1.0 mean pain score, p = 0.002/0.001) compared with children with normal vision. Sex based subanalyses showed that only girls with uncorrected vision had more third division grades (25 vs. 4%, p = 0.006), and only boys with uncorrected vision had more shoulder pain in general/during screen use (76 vs. 28/31%, p < 0.001; 2.2/2.4 vs. 0.7 mean pain score, p < 0.001), compared with children with normal vision.ConclusionsThe results of this study showed that even small refractive errors may impact educational outcomes and musculoskeletal pain in adolescents. Most of the participating children had low myopia, easily corrected with glasses. This suggests that regular eye examinations are important in school children, and there is a need for raised awareness among parents, and school- and healthcare personnel.

Knowledge of ocular infections among the dental practitioners across India: a cross sectional survey

BackgroundOcular issues such as impaired vision, ophthalmia, orbital cellulitis, and blindness are not common with dental infections. However, there is absence of set guidelines in prevention and management of ocular issues arising from dental infections. Hence the knowledge and vantage point of the dentists with respect to ocular complications arising from dental infections was evaluated.ObjectiveThis study reviews the knowledge of dentists with association of eye infection due to dental contamination.MethodA cross sectional survey using standardized questionnaires were sent suing social media platform among the academicians and practicing dental clinicians. All the questionnaires were content validated by three ophthalmologists. Descriptive statistics was scrutinized and tabulated by employing the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 17 (SPSS Inc., Chicago IL). Chi square tests was used.ResultsAbout 69.1%(65) and 30.9%( 29) of BDS and MDS grduates have experienced ocular complications because of dental contamination. This distribution showed no statistical significance (p = 0.25). 73.8% (183) and 28.2%( 65) had compliance with the eye protection, 77.7% (160) of BDS graduates and 22.3% (46) of MDS graduates preferred safety eye wear. This distribution showed statistical significance (p = 0.00). About 76.2% (279) of BDS graduates and 23.8%( 67) of MDS graduates faced ocular infections because of different types of splashes which included water, blood and saliva. (p = 0.23)ConclusionThis study puts an emphasis on the knowledge assessment among the dental practitioners on the importance of preventive barriers, and how special protective gear is required for doing cases undergoing dental treatment.

Comparison of the Effect of Swedish Massage and Earplugs/Eye Masks on Sleep Quality of Patients Admitted to ICUs

Background: Sleep is one of the basic physiological needs of human life. Hospitalization causes disturbances in the sleep pattern and decreases the quality of sleep. The present study aimed to compare the effect of Swedish massage and earplugs/eye masks on the quality of sleep of patients admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) of the teaching hospitals affiliated with Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in Zahedan, Iran, in 2022. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 40 patients admitted to the ICUs of Khatam Al-Anbia and Ali Ibne Abi-Talib hospitals in Zahedan. The participants were selected through convenience sampling from the patients who met the inclusion criteria. By using the permuted block technique with colored cards (red and yellow), the patients were placed into two Swedish massage and earplug/eye mask groups. After enrollment in the study, the patients in both groups did not receive any intervention during the first night, and their sleep quality was checked using the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ) as a pre-test during the first night. The participants in both groups received the intended interventions on the second night after entering the study, and their sleep quality on the second night was measured as a post-test. The participants in the first intervention group received a Swedish massage one night for 20 minutes before bedtime in the back area (lumbar cavity to the shoulder). Moreover, the participants in the second intervention group were asked to wear earplugs and eye masks for one night from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. The collected data were analyzed using independent samples t-test, paired samples t-test, and chi-square test with SPSS software (version 26). Results: The results showed that the mean sleep quality scores for the participants in the Swedish massage group and earplug/eye mask group were 130.25 ± 41.91 and 135 ± 44.36 before the intervention, respectively. In addition, the mean sleep quality scores for the participants in the Swedish massage group and earplug/eye mask group were 202 ± 46.03 and 184.79 ± 39.5 after the intervention, respectively, showing a significant increase in the sleep quality scores for the participants in both groups after the intervention (P = 0.001). In addition, the independent samples t-test confirmed that the mean sleep quality score for the participants in the Swedish massage group was significantly higher than that of the participants in the earplug/eye mask group after the intervention (P = 0.037). Conclusions: Non-pharmacological interventions, such as Swedish massage and wearing earplugs and eye masks, can have a significant effect on increasing the sleep quality of patients admitted to the ICU. The data in this study indicated that compared to the earplug/eye mask group intervention, Swedish massage had a greater effect on improving the sleep quality of the patients. Therefore, the Swedish massage technique, which does not cause sensory restrictions similar to those of earplugs/eye masks, can be applied as an inexpensive intervention without any complications to improve patients’ sleep quality.

Assessment of Nurses’ Knowledge Regarding Personal Protective Equipment at Two Tertiary Care Hospitals, Peshawar

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) include gloves, protective eye wear (goggles), mask, respirator, apron, gown, boots/shoe cover, hair cover and are aimed to shield Health Care Professionals (HCP) including nurses from workplace infections and injuries. Objective: To assess nurses’ knowledge regarding personal protective equipment at two tertiary care hospitals in Peshawar. Methods:  A design of the study was descriptive cross-sectional survey. Overall, 150 nurses were involved by using consecutive sampling technique. Data were collected through structured, self-administered adopted questionnaire. Results: This study comprised of 150 contributors including 30% male and 70% female. The mean age of the participants was 29.15 with standard deviation ± 6.07. 53.3% of the participants had Diploma, 36.7% had Post RN, 8.7% of the participants had BSN and 1.3% of the participants had MSN degrees. The study showed that 58% of respondents had good knowledge due to their professional experiences while 36% had average knowledge level due to low professional experiences and lack of resource and availability of PPE’s and only 6% participants had poor knowledge level regarding personal protective equipment due to lack of professional experiences. Conclusions: This study concluded that knowledge level was good in majority of nurses.  Despite the good knowledge level, some of the personnel practices and attitudes towards PPE remain unchanged.   This study pleas for a need to educate Nurses on PPE; it may be with continuing education on infection control or other informative platforms. When there is low level of knowledge it will affect practice related to PPE. 

Significance of Prescribing Astigmatic Correction in Young Patients having Low Astigmatism with Near Vision Complaints

Astigmatism causes increased difficulty in reading performance like book reading, mobile usage and computer work. Objective: The primary objective was to find out the significance of prescribing astigmatic correction in young patients having low astigmatism with near vision complaints and secondary objective was to find out the most common type of astigmatism affecting near vision. Methods: This was a multicentered, prospective cohort study conducted from April 2022 to Sep 2022. A total of 64 subjects of both genders were selected through non-probability convenient sampling technique. Patients with age between 15-30 years having low astigmatism (0.25-0.75D) with near vision complaints were included. Any amount of astigmatism was corrected with appropriate glasses and subjects were asked for a follow up fortnightly. Follow up improvement in symptoms were recorded and compared with earlier complaints by applying chi square test using SPSS version 23.0. Results: A total of 64 subjects were enrolled in the study. The mean age of patients was 22.44 years including 27 (42%) males and 37 (58%) females. The most common symptom was Eye Strain found in 53 (83%) of the patients. Most common type of astigmatism was Against the Rule astigmatism. 62 (96%) patients improved to 6/6 in both eyes. On follow up, improvement in symptoms was noted and compared with symptoms before the usage of glasses. Conclusions: The study concluded that the treatment for near vision complaints in young patients is prescribing them with proper cylindrical / astigmatic correction in the form of eye glasses. 

The Second Case of Bardet-Biedl syndrome from Iraq: An educational article and expert opinion

Background: Bardet-Biedl syndrome and Laurence-Moon syndrome are rare autosomal recessive disorders with a similar phenotype. They are characterized by the gradual development of phenotype which includes cone-rod retinal dystrophy, obesity, and hypogonadism in males. Other associated abnormalities include learning disability and renal abnormalities. The two conditions are differentiated clinically by the presence of spasticity and the absence of polydactyly in Laurence-Moon syndrome. In 2002, we reported the first patient with Bardet-Biedl syndrome. The boy had polydactyly, obesity, retinal degeneration, and was hospitalized at the University Hospital in Al-Kadhimiyia because of the development of chronic renal failure. Patients and methods: The case of a 9-year-old obese Kurdish girl who had polydactyly of the hands and feet associated with reduced visual acuity is described.Results: A 9-year-old obese Kurdish girl had polydactyly of the hand and feet associated with reduced visual acuity that was attributed to myopia which was partially corrected with eye glasses. The parents were unrelated, and her younger 5-year sister had polydactyly of the feet only. No other family member known to have polydactyly. Both sisters had their extra-digits removed surgically. The girl was studying at fourth grade primary school and the parents reported no learning disability. Fundoscopy showed normal optic disc and periphery of the retina. The presence of retinitis pigmentosa was excluded. However, the foveal reflex was reported to be abnormal by the oophthalmologist. Electroretinography showed evidence of cone-rod dystrophy.Conclusion: The second case of Bardet-Biedl syndrome from Iraq is reported. The current evidence-based expert opinion suggests the use of long tem supplementation of citicoline, co-enzyme Q10 and lutein with hope of retarding the progression to blindness.

Patients’ perception of infection control in dentistry

Background: Dentistry is a high-risk profession for infections due to exposure to contaminated materials like blood, saliva, and instruments. Both dental staff and patients can contract diseases via person-to-person contact or contaminated objects. Objectives: To assess patient perception of infection control practices in dentistry which will help in planning effective public health care delivery. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 170 patients visiting Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital (KMCTH) over the period of three months (2022 June to 2022 August) for any form of dental treatment. Ethical approval was granted by Institutional Review Committee of KMCTH on 8th June 2021. Data obtained were entered and analysed using SPSS v.21. Results: Majority of the participants believed dentists should wear gloves (164, 96.7%), face masks (159, 93.8%), and eye goggles (105, 61.9%) while treating patients, and 152 (89.6%) of participants agreed that dentist should change gloves between patients. However, nearly half of the participants were not hesitant to receive treatment from the dentist not wearing gloves (82, 48.3%) and mask (86, 50.7%). In total, 119 (70.2%) agreed that it was possible to catch an infection during dental treatment and 121 (71.3%) did take interest in sterilisation of instruments but only 21 (12.3%) always asked their dentist about the method of sterilisation. Conclusion: Patients possess a strong awareness of the importance for infection control in dental practice, however, this study underscores the importance of implementing effective infection control measures in dental settings to ensure the safety and well-being of patients.

Theory and Data-Driven Competence Evaluation with Multimodal Machine Learning—A Chinese Competence Evaluation Multimodal Dataset

In social interactions, people who are perceived as competent win more chances, tend to have more opportunities, and perform better in both personal and professional aspects of their lives. However, the process of evaluating competence is still poorly understood. To fill this gap, we developed a two-step empirical study to propose a competence evaluation framework and a predictor of individual competence based on multimodal data using machine learning and computer vision methods. In study 1, from a knowledge-driven perspective, we first proposed a competence evaluation framework composed of 4 inner traits (skill, expression efficiency, intelligence, and capability) and 6 outer traits (age, eye gaze variation, glasses, length-to-width ratio, vocal energy, and vocal variation). Then, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) were utilized to predict and interpret individual competence, respectively. The results indicate that 8 (4 inner and 4 outer) traits (in descending order: vocal energy, age, length-to-width ratio, glasses, expression efficiency, capability, intelligence, and skill) contribute positively to competence evaluation, while 2 outer traits (vocal variation and eye gaze variation) contribute negatively. In study 2, from a data-driven perspective, we accurately predicted competence with a cutting-edge multimodal machine learning algorithm, low-rank multimodal fusion (LMF), which exploits the intra- and intermodal interactions among all the visual, vocal, and textual features of an individual’s competence behavior. The results indicate that vocal and visual features contribute most to competence evaluation. In addition, we provided a Chinese Competence Evaluation Multimodal Dataset (CH-CMD) for individual competence analysis. This paper provides a systemic competence framework with empirical consolidation and an effective multimodal machine learning method for competence evaluation, offering novel insights into the study of individual affective traits, quality, personality, etc.

Farmers’ Perception towards Agricultural Pesticides and Associated Human Health Impact in Misrak Badawacho Woreda, Ethiopia

Pesticides are applied to control weeds and insect infestation in agricultural fields and various pests and disease carriers. As the modes of action for pesticides are not species-specific, concerns have been raised about risks associated with their exposure through various routes. The main objective of this study was to assess farmers’ perception towards agricultural pesticides and associated human health impact in Misrak Badawacho Woreda, Ethiopia. Community-based cross-sectional study was used to assess farmers’ perception towards agricultural pesticides and associated human health impact. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select study subjects. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS 20. Descriptive statistics were used during this study. About 361 study subjects completed the questionnaires. Among the studies subjects (81%) of them were males and 19% were females. The results showed that commonly applied pesticides comprised of herbicides (55%), fungicides (28%), Veterinary control (14%) and insecticides (3%). About 54% of the farm workers were used normal clothe, 17% were used boots,11% were used eye glass, 8% were used handkerchief, 3% were used mask and 2% were used Cotton during pesticide application. From total study subjects 38% do not follow instructions during pesticide application and 55% reuse pesticide containers for storing food and water in the home. Majority (93%) reported that they had suffered from pesticide-related health signs and symptoms during or after application of pesticides. Itching and skin irritation was the common symptom (74%) followed by headache (68%) during pesticide application. Generally the Farm workers had poor handling practices during pesticide application. Therefore continuous pesticide training programs for workers could be implemented.

The second case of Bardet-Biedl syndrome from Iraq: An educational article and expert opinion

Background: Bardet-Biedl syndrome and Laurence-Moon syndrome are rare autosomal recessive disorders with a similar phenotype. They are characterized by the gradual development of phenotype which includes cone-rod retinal dystrophy, obesity, and hypogonadism in males. Other associated abnormalities include learning disability and renal abnormalities. The two conditions are differentiated clinically by the presence of spasticity and the absence of polydactyly in Laurence-Moon syndrome. In 2002, we reported the first patient with Bardet-Biedl syndrome. The boy had polydactyly, obesity, retinal degeneration, and was hospitalized at the University Hospital in Al-Kadhimiyia because of the development of chronic renal failure. Patients and methods: The case of a 9-year-old obese Kurdish girl who had polydactyly of the hands and feet associated with reduced visual acuity is described. Results: A 9-year-old obese Kurdish girl had polydactyly of the hand and feet associated with reduced visual acuity that was attributed to myopia which was partially corrected with eye glasses. The parents were unrelated, and her younger 5-year sister had polydactyly of the feet only. No other family member known to have polydactyly. Both sisters had their extra-digits removed surgically. The girl was studying at fourth grade primary school and the parents reported no learning disability. Fundoscopy showed normal optic disc and periphery of the retina. The presence of retinitis pigmentosa was excluded. However, the foveal reflex was reported to be abnormal by the oophthalmologist. Electroretinography showed evidence of cone-rod dystrophy. Conclusion: The second case of Bardet-Biedl syndrome from Iraq is reported. The current evidence-based expert opinion suggests the use of long tem supplementation of citicoline, co-enzyme Q10 and lutein with hope of retarding the progression to blindness.

An Overview of Ocular Transmission as Alternative Route Transmission Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Literature Review

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) becomes a health crisis in the world. The main route of spreading COVID-19 is through the respiratory tract, but this virus also spread through extra respiratory route. This literature review aimed to describe the ocular transmission as an alternative route of COVID-19 transmission. This literature review study used sources of article obtained through ProQuest, Springer, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar with range 2019-2020 publication years and were traced using a combination of search term for ocular transmission, virus receptor, eye manifestation and COVID-19. Previous research used Experimental design, Case study, and Cross-sectional study, and published from 2019 to 2020. Then analyzed by PRISMA diagram method with four stages starting from identification, screening, eligibility, and included. 4 articles used Experimental study design, 4 articles used Cross-sectional study design, and 2 articles used case study design.  This study showed that COVID-19 RNA was found on ocular (conjunctiva and cornea) in a low percentage (2.23%-24%). Patients with confirmed COVID-19 could have ocular manifestations. COVID-19 enter the human body through the eye by spike protein binds to eye receptors that are: ACE2, CD147/Basigin/EMMPRIN, TMPRSS2, ANPEP and AGTR2. Then this virus transferred to the respiratory tract through the nasolacrimal duct. The study showed that ocular transmission can be an alternative route of COVID-19 transmission even with a low percentage level, so it is important for health worker to wear eye protector.

Correlation between health status and academic achievement among elementary school students in North Jakarta.

High-performing students are essential investments in building the nation's future. In Indonesia, however, the correlation between students' health and academic achievement is rarely examined. This study aimed to evaluate primary school students' health status and its relation to their academic achievement. A survey was conducted on 1335 students from four primary schools in North Jakarta. Health assessments included nutritional status, hair, skin condition, dental, vision, and ear conditions. Parents filled sociodemographic questionnaire. Mid-exam scores in core subjects determined academic achievement. Data were analyzed using binomial logistic regression to determine the relation of health status with students' academic achievement. In the younger group, students who were stunted (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.23, 95% CI: 1.11-4.50), had dental caries (AOR 2.16, 95% CI: 1.15-4.04), hair problems (AOR 2.04, 95% CI: 1.15-3.59), and skin problems (AOR 1.49, 95% CI: 1.01-2.20) were more likely to have a low-performing index. In the older group, students with hair problems tend to have a low-performing index (AOR 3.05, 95% CI: 1.88-5.89). Meanwhile, the students who wore eye glasses were more likely to achieve a high-performing index in the older group (AOR 0.60, 95% CI: 0.50-0.78). This study shows a significant correlation between students' health status and academic achievement, where students with health problems were more likely to have lower grades compared to their counterparts. Regular health screening and examination are vital to maintaining students' health; therefore, their academic achievement can be increased.

Effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge and practice regarding donning and doffing of personal protective equipment among B.Sc. nursing students of college of nursing, RIMS, Imphal

Personal protective equipment referred to as 'PPE' is an equipment which is worn to minimize the exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illness. It offers protection by preventing microorganism from contaminating hands, eyes, clothing, hair and shoes. PPE includes gloves, protective eye wear, apron, gown, boots/shoe cover, hair cover. PPE should be used by all health care providers, student nurses, laboratory staffs and family members who provide care to patients in situations where they are exposed to blood, body fluids, secretions or excretions.Emergent infectious diseases are a challenge to any health system. The current pandemic of the Coronavirus Diseases 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is the best recent example of this challenge. Originated in Wuhan, Hubei, china, in December 2019, this emerging infectious disease became a World Health Organization (WHO)-declared pandemic. Till May 13, 2020, this new infection has a worldwide distribution, with more than 4.34 million people infected and more than 296 thousand people dead.7

Simulation of Molding Process for a Curved Compound Eye Glass Lens

Simulation of Molding Process for a Curved Compound Eye Glass Lens

Ocular injury from foam dart (Nerf) blasters: a case series.

Foam dart blasters can cause severe blunt ocular trauma and permanent visual loss, illustrating the need for eye protection when handling these toys. • Foam dart blasters, a blanket term for spring-loaded toy guns that fire foam-coated darts or bullets at a relatively low velocity, have gained popularity in recent years among pediatric populations, with an increase in associated ocular injuries. •To date, scattered case reporting provides insufficient insight into the full clinical spectrum of injury and prognosis of foam dart blasters related ocular injury. •This case series characterizes the myriad foam dart blasters injuries that may afflict the eye, most of which are self-limiting, but some of which may result in poor visual outcomes and lifelong disability in pediatric patients. •We strongly recommend that all users wear eye protection while using foam dart blasters.

Effects of contact lens wearing on corneal sensitivity and reflex functions

AbstractPurpose: To study the effects of contact lens (CL) use on corneal sensory nerve activity, exploring corneal sensitivity and ocular functions regulated by sensory input in asymptomatic (CL‐A) and symptomatic (CL‐S) CL wearers.Methods: CL wearers (23.8 ± 1.0 years; n = 31) participating in the study were classified as CL‐S when OSDI ≥13. Sex and age eye glasses (EG) users (24.5 ± 0.8 years, n = 29) participated as control group. Corneal mechanical, chemical and cold sensitivity was explored using a gas esthesiometer and 4°C‐saline drops; intensity, irritation and cold components of the evoked sensation were measured with Visual Analogue Scales (VASs). Tear volume (with phenol red threads), tear stability (TBUT), basal blinking frequency (BF), ocular surface temperature (OST; by IR thermography) were also assessed.Results: CL wearers scored higher irritation VAS values than EG wearers for mechanical (2.5 ± 0.5 vs. 1.4 ± 0.4 for 160 ml/min air flow, CL vs EG, p = 0.09) and chemical stimuli (1.8 ± 0.5 vs. 0.7 ± 0.3 for 40% CO2, p &lt; 0.05), and lower intensity values for cold stimulation (2.2 ± 0.4 vs. 4.5 ± 0.7, p &lt; 0.05); tear volume was similar (27.0 ± 2.2 vs. 27.2 ± 1.6 mm), TBUT lower (8.3 ± 0.5 vs. 11.7 ± 0.5 s, p &lt; 0.001), BF was higher (25.1 ± 2.4 vs. 14.3 ± 1.9 blinks/min, p &lt; 0.001), and OST was lower (34.4 ± 0.2 vs. 35.2 ± 0.2°C, p &lt; 0.01). VAS values for cold stimulation was slightly lower in CL‐S than in CL‐A (2.0 ± 0.4 vs. 4.0 ± 0.8, p = 0.06), while OST was higher (35.0 ± 0.2 vs. 33.9 ± 0.3°C, p &lt; 0.01).Conclusions: CL wearing affects corneal sensory nerve functions, changing corneal sensitivity, blinking rate, tearing stability, and OST. The changes found in corneal sensitivity fully agree with those described in neural activity of corneal sensory nerves after injury or inflammation using animal models: sensitization of corneal nociceptors and inhibition of cold thermoreceptors. The differences between CL‐S and CL‐A wearers could be due to the presence of subclinical ocular surface inflammation in symptomatic subjects.

3D Electrohydrodynamic Printing of Contact Lens‐Like Chloramphenicol‐Loaded Patches for Corneal Abrasions Treatment

Corneal abrasion is a common traumatic emergency, which can cause eyelid photophobia, tearing, and obvious foreign body sensation and pain. Herein, the 3D contact lens‐like chloramphenicol‐loaded patches composed of well‐organized micrometer fibers are prepared via electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing to treat corneal abrasions. The main material of these patches is cellulose acetate (CA), and chloramphenicol (CAM) is loaded in the patches. EHD printing can realize micrometer fibers stacked layer by layer to form a customizable shape suitable for eye wear. Herein, the surface morphology, chemical as well as physical properties, transparency, drug release behaviors, and biocompatibility of the patches loading various concentrations of CAM are studied. It is found that the CAM‐loaded patches have 3D hemispherical shape similar to contact lens and smooth surface morphology. Moreover, patches loaded with different concentrations of CAM all maintain good water absorption, hydrophilicity, light transmittance, and biocompatibility. The drug release curves of CAM‐loaded patches show that the contact lens‐like patches have high loading efficiency and can achieve sustained release of CAM, indicating clinical potential in the treatment of corneal abrasions.

Health Literacy in Patients Wearing Prosthetic Eyes: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose To investigate general and electronic health literacy (HL) levels in prosthetic eye wearing patients, to define factors associated with reduced HL, and to identify a potential healthcare gap. Methods In this prospective cross-sectional study 148 prosthetic eye wearers were screened using the 16-item European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q16) and the 8-item electronic Health Literacy Scale (eHEALS). HLS-EU-16 and eHEALS scores were correlated to health levels, vision functioning, and sociodemographic factors. Results A total of 85 patients (57%) had adequate, 38 (26%) problematic, and 9 (6%) inadequate general HL, while 16 (11%) had no valid HLS-EU-Q16 score. General HL was positively correlated with physical health (p = 0.009) and negatively with a migration background (p = 0.023). There was a positive correlation between electronic HL and educational level (p < 0.001), social status (p = 0.048), and mental health (p = 0.013). Higher age was associated with lower electronic HL (p < 0.001). Conclusions More than 30% of the prosthetic eye wearers had problematic or even inadequate general HL, suggesting a significant health care gap. To identify patients with reduced HL, a standardized screening tool should be implemented as part of routine clinical care. Within integrated care, patients with insufficient HL should be offered barrier-free advisory services and information brochures in various languages.

Factors Affecting Awareness of Infection Control Measures among Dental Practitioners of Karachi

OBJECTIVES: To determine the factors affecting awareness of infection control measures among dental practitioners working in universities and teaching hospitals of Karachi. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2017 to January 2018 among 190 conveniently sampled practitioners from four dental clinics of tertiary care hospitals of Karachi. The study population consisted of dental practitioners that included graduates and post graduates of either gender with an experience of two years and above while practitioners refusing to give written informed consent were excluded from the study. The questionnaires were distributed and collected on same day by the principal investigator. All the collected data were analyzed on Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. RESULTS: A majority of dental practitioners (&gt;90%) were aware that contact with blood may transmit pathogenic microorganisms; goal of infection control is to eliminate the transfer of microorganisms; steam autoclave sterilizes by using steam under pressure; disinfection of dental chair, clinic, and dental office; wearing gloves, face masks and having protective eye wear on while checking patients; changing gloves, extraction instrument, saliva ejectors and burs in operative dentistry after checking each patient is necessary for a dental practitioner. Moreover, the awareness scores of dental practitioners were found to be significantly different across categories of experience (p=0.008). CONCLUSION: A majority of dental practitioners was aware about most measures of infection control. Further confirmation of study results by studies with larger sample sizes is recommended. KEYWORDS: Risk Factors, Awareness, Infection Control, Dentists

A mixed method to evaluate the importance of visual health awareness among health care students

The study was done to assess the pre and post awareness of eye health care and importance of regular eye test to detect ocular and systemic conditions which may be asymptomatic.This study done on 278 subjects, age group between 18-30years. 65% of the subjects are females and 35% of them are males are included. In this questionnaire study, pre and post data is collected among health care students on pre-eye examination, participants were asked questions on their demographic detail, Eye examination, visual symptoms, ocular symptoms, visual aids, safety eye wear, importance of eye examination and a pamphlet is shown to create knowledge, awareness after which post awareness data is collected.A total of 278 subjects were participated, our result showed a significant improvement in increasing awareness, knowledge level in post intervention of health care students regarding visual health awareness and eye care. Overall knowledge before intervention was low 55.43% and was increased to 87.1% after intervention.Awareness programs in eye care can have a positive effect on raising the profile of eye health services within health systems, thereby increasing the knowledge, confidence, and motivation in health care students.