1. Interesting Reads 8 min read

   Cytokines: Made Simple for the Ophthalmologists

   In the time of the global pandemic known as COVID- 19, everyone has heard the phrase ‘cytokine storm’ and how it can be a deadly consequence of the SARS- CoV2 virus infection. What are these cytokines though? What do they normally do in our bodies and why are they sometimes so deadly? Little multifunctional molecules The presence of pus-filled exudates, fever, localized swelling, and pain have been well documented since ancient times. Scientists in the 1940’s asked the question: “What causes all these symptoms?” They studied the pus, found that the white blood cells released ‘soluble factors’1 and the rest, as they say, is history. Structurally, the ‘soluble factors,’ also known as cytokines, are really small proteins (peptides). They are known as cell signaling molecules, as they essentially act as messengers that tell cells what to do. Their general mode of action is quite similar to a domino effect. Cell 1 is stimulated by some external factor and in response it secretes cytokines.

   Dr. Swathi Lingam
2. Articles 5 min read

   Ten Tenets of Fundus Autofluorescence

   1. What is fundus autofluorescence? Fundus autofluorescence is a study of the topographic distribution of naturally occurring molecules in the human fundus. These molecules are called fluorophores. In principle, FAF is similar to fundus fluorescein angiography as both of them study the fluorescence pattern of molecules. However, the fluorophore molecules are naturally occurring compounds in the former while in later sodium fluorescein dye is injected. Hence FAF is a non-invasive imaging modality. 2. What are fluorophores? Fluorophores are molecules that emit fluorescence when excited by a suitable wavelength of light. Fluorophores are not exclusively present in the fundus and are distributed in various ocular tissue which includes the cornea, lens, uvea melanocyte, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and sclera.1,2 The knowledge about fluorophores other than fundus is still evolving. The commonly studied fundus fluorophores lipofuscin and melanin. 3. Lipofuscin and melanin Lipofuscin is

   Dr. Kumar Saurabh · Dr. Suraj Mistry
3. Interesting Reads 33 min read

   A to Z Eponyms in ophthalmology

   Often asked in vivas, ophthalmic eponyms or various signs/ instruments in ophthalmology which share the same name, are one of the favorite questions of many examiners. We have tried to compile common such terminologies in ophthalmology for the benefit of postgraduate students. A Amsler (Marc Amsler : Swiss ophthalmologist, 1891-1968) Amsler Grid- The Amsler Grid is a square-shaped grid used to detect or monitor metamorphopsia or scotoma involving the central visual field in various disorders of the macula and optic nerve head.There are 7 charts of the Amsler Grid each with a dimension of 10 cm × 10 cm. Amsler sign- Amsler sign (aka Amsler-Verrey sign) is present in Fuchs heterochromic uveitis (FHU). It is characterized by hemorrhage in the anterior chamber (hyphema) after anterior chamber paracentesis or entry with the micro vitreoretinal blade during anterior segment surgeries, including cataract surgery or minor trauma. Amsler Krumeich grading- Classification of keratoconus based on

   Dr. Jigyasa Sahu · Dr. Shweta Viswanath
4. Articles 13 min read

   Glaucoma in Pseudophakia And Aphakia

   Glaucoma in pseudophakia and aphakia is secondary glaucoma in which intraocular pressure (IOP) is elevated following cataract removal. This diagnosis is given only if there was no glaucoma prior to cataract removal.[1] The terms aphakic and pseudophakic glaucoma have been previously used in literature. Currently, this terminology is not preferred. Glaucoma in pseudophakia and aphakia refer to conditions that cause increased intraocular pressure (IOP) soon after surgery as well as to those conditions that occur much later.[2] Epidemiology : Depending on the studies, the estimate for the incidence of glaucoma post-cataract surgery varies widely. In patients with aphakia, chronic glaucoma post-cataract surgery was found to be less prevalent at 3% than a transient increase in pressure with varying percentages of pressure rise post-cataract surgery [3]. Other sources report the incidence of 5-41%[4]. In patients with pseudophakia, the incidence of IOP rise went down with an advent of the ex

   Dr. Aishwarya R. Mulay
5. Interesting Reads 6 min read

   How to Edit Your Surgical Videos

   Introduction Video recording in ophthalmology dates back to 1951 when Sir Harold Ridley filmed his pioneering lens implantation procedure in color. Ophthalmic surgical videos are a great source of demonstrating one’s technique on various platforms as well as discussing any unusual case tackled successfully in the operation theatre. It acts as an educational resource providing tips and tricks to postgraduates, fellows and helps the surgeon to self-assess, apart from documentation.1 This helps to improve patient care and thereby improving one’s practice. Requirements for Capturing Surgical Video Creating impressive surgical videos involves recording high-quality videos along with the addition of suitable narration. So before editing, the first and foremost necessity is to have a decent digital video recording system that varies from simple smartphone to high end 4K recording systems. Modern surgical microscopes come with an integrated digital camera but need an external device for video

   Dr. Kushal Delhiwala
6. Articles 17 min read

   Computer Vision Syndrome

   To most of us, computers have become an irreplaceable necessity in our lives at work and at home. Working on the computer screen at such a short distance can result in eyestrain, blurred vision, redness, irritation of eyes, and posture-related musculoskeletal problems, which is called Computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain. Definition The American Association of Optometrists defines Computer Vision Syndrome is a complex of eye & vision problems related to the activities that stress the near vision and which are experienced in relation to or during the use of computers1 They include eyestrain, headache, blurry near vision, slowness in changing focus, light sensitivity, eye irritation. Improper ergonomic practices can lead to pain in the neck, shoulder, and back, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc. In the current digital world, there has been a rapid shift from paper to computers, mobiles, e-readers & other Visual Display Terminals (VDTs). Our eyes have not got fully adapted to working

   Dr. Shilpa Joshi
7. Interesting Reads 9 min read

   Basics of Grant Writing: From An Early Career Researchers Perspective

   “Writing a grant is considered to be more strenuous than doing research itself.”(1) With the number of grant applications on a rise and a steady decline in the funding, the nuances of grant writing become pertinent for a successful grant application. (2) In this article, we discuss the reasons for applying for a grant, how and when to apply, the common hurdles, and tips for a successful grant proposal. Why apply for grants/research fellowships? The obvious answer is you need money to execute the research project (buying new machines, hiring staff, institution overheads, etc.). Boosting your CV/resume and recognition amongst your peers are the important collateral benefits of a successful grant. Even an unsuccessful grant application can exhibit that you are ambitious in acquiring funds especially if you are early in your career. It provides you with funds without which doing quality research often becomes difficult. Funding agencies sometimes fund the purchase of equipment for the rese

   Dr. Soujanya Kaup, MS, DNB, FPRS, (MSc-Clinical Trials, LSHTM, UK)
8. Articles 8 min read

   Intermittent Exotropia Simplified for the Postgraduates

   Intermittent exotropia (IXT) is the most common type of strabismus in children as well as adults, especially in the Asian and South Asian populations. Owing to the intermittent nature of exotropia there is usually good binocular function and stereoacuity at near fixation Small-angle exotropia is observed in normal neonates which usually disappears by the age of 2-4 months. Most adults will have small exophoria usually less than 10 when fully dissociated. Epidemiology Like all forms of strabismus, exotropic deviations can be manifest or latent, and if the former, intermittent or constant. Intermittent exotropia is by far the most common form of manifest XT. Exodeviations occur about one-third less frequently than esodeviations in North America and Europe and occur more frequently in the Asian population. Intermittent exotropia is more common in females with a ratio of 2:1 (F: M). Intermittent exotropia usually noticed by parents in early childhood (2-5 years). Clinical features Intermit

   Dr. Amr Mohamed · Dr. Sowmya R, MS,FMRF, FAICO
9. Students Gallery 16 min read

   Instruments used in Cataract Surgery: Ready Reckoner for the Post Graduates

   Cataract Surgery is the most common surgery performed all over the world. Proper knowledge of surgical instruments used in cataract surgery is essential. This article gives you an overview and description of instruments commonly used in cataract surgery. Simcoe's irrigation- aspiration cannula: Design: Available in two different designs. The original model also called the direct Simcoe where aspiration is through the silicone tube and irrigation through the main hub. The surgeon holds the syringe attached to the silicone tubing which is used to generate suction for aspiration in his/her left hand and the irrigation line is attached to the main central hub. The other model is the Reverse Simcoe where irrigation is through the main hub. The surgeon uses a syringe attached to the main hub to generate suction for aspiration. Cannulas are available in different sizes: 21,22,23 gauge which has an aspiration port size of 0.5,0.35,0.3 mm respectively. These are 15 mm long in size with an angle

   Dr. Rohit Rao
10. Students Gallery 27 min read

    Instruments Used in Vitreoretinal Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide for the Post Graduates

    History : While writing about the instrumentation of retinal surgery, the first name came in my mind was the none other than the Jules Gonin, who not only identified the Retinal tear as a prerequisite for the retinal detachment in the way back in 1904 in his first paper with series of 3 cases but also described the management of the same later on after constant hard work over the next two decade. He made major contribution and impact in the field of retinal surgery, immediately after his major presentation at the International Congress of Ophthalmology in 1929, and hence it is worth starting the topic recalling him. From the Gonin era to date, there were three major events in terms of development. 1st – improvement in instrumentation used to evaluate vitreoretinal pathology. 2nd – Evolution of the methods to create a chorioretinal adhesion around retinal breaks. 3rd – the development of a variety of techniques to tackle the vitreoretinal adhesion and hence to close the break permanentl

    Dr. Pratik Shah

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