1. Articles 17 min read

    Epiretinal Membrane

    Epiretinal membranes(ERM) are acquired formation of semi-transparent cellular sheets on the macular surface, which are formed due to varied etiologies. These membranes have contractile properties, often leading to mechanical distortion of macula. The proliferation of ERM on the inner retinal surface along the internal limiting membrane was first described by Iwanoff in 1865 1. In 1971, Roth and Foos reported that in a series of autopsied eyes, ERM were present in 2 percent of patients aged 50 yr and in more than 20 percent of patients by age 75 yr2. Pearlstone reported an incidence of 6.4 percent in 1000 consecutive routine eye examinations in patients older than 50 yr, with 20 percent being bilateral 3,4. Other authors report bilateral involvement in 10 to 20% of cases5,6,7.The Los Angeles Latino Eye Study (LALES) found that of the participants with ERM, 19.9% had bilateral ERMs. The prevalence of ERM increased from 10.1% in persons 40 to 49 years of age to 35.7% in those aged 70 to 7

  2. Articles 25 min read

    Vitrectomy: A Review

    INTRODUCTION Pars plana vitrectomy as a technique has revolutionized retinal surgery since its advent and initial report by Machemer et al 1. It allowed the removal of traction by an internal method, essential in retinal detachment procedures, as well as provided an active management modality for vitreous haemorrhage and opened the door for surgical intervention in a myriad of retinal pathologies. Since that time, the evolution of vitrectomy surgery has seen experimentation and implementation of smaller surgical instruments aimed at greater functionality and minimalization of ocular trauma. The basis of a sutureless pars plana sclerotomy was to stabilize intraocular pressure (IOP) during surgery, with a truly closed system, as well as reduce surgical time by removing the need for sutured wound closure. Wound and suture related complications such as leakage, irritation, and scleral pigmentary changes could also be avoided. Concerns regarding wound competence in a sutureless procedure ha

  3. Articles 10 min read

    Chemical Injuries of Eye - An Update.

    Introduction It is very frequent to encounter chemical injury in our routine ophthalmic practice. Most of the chemical injuries are minor, which heal without any squeal. Most are acids and alkalis. Alkali injuries are more common (nearly twice) than acids and are more severe in nature. It is of utmost importance to recognize the nature of chemicals for treating such patients. Here, we review the chemical injuries of the eye with their recent management update. Epidemiology Chemical burn 7.9-9% of all reported ocular burns. 23 -42% are bilateral. Young males are affected mostly. Most are industrial accidents (at workplace 60-70%, at homes 25-30%, criminal assault, and others comprise 2-3%) Sources of common chemicals Alkalis Acids 1.Ammonium hydroxide and Ammonia- fertilizers, laboratory refrigerator, household cleansing agent, bleaching powder 2. Sodium hydroxide-drain cleaner, soap 3. Potassium hydroxide- soap 3.Calcium hydroxide- plaster, cement, mortar, whitewash(chuna) 4.Magnesium

  4. Interesting Reads 4 min read

    Editor's Take: Prof. Francesco Bandello

    Research forms an important part in the development of the scientific community. It has implications for formation of policies and future implementation. For many of us it is the first time navigating through uncharted territories while many have tread this path repeatedly. But a question that remains in every researcher's mind is what one must keep in mind before formally taking up the study that would make the research acceptable in the scientific space. At eOphtha we are introducing a section “Editors’ Take” where we would help bring to you the views and inputs of some of the reputed reviewers and researchers in the field of ophthalmology. We hope this would help further the research aspirations of our readers and bring to light some interesting perspectives from the who’s who in the vast world of research. In our first chapter we had the opportunity to get the perspective from Professor Francesco Bandello from the prestigious Raffael Hospital in Milan. Professor Bandello gives us a

  5. Articles 18 min read

    Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

    Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of visual impairment worldwide. It almost accounts for 2.6% of treatable blindness globally (1). It is estimated that the overall prevalence of diabetic retinopathy is 34.6 % worldwide, while the prevalence of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is 6.96% and that of vision-threatening DR (VTDR) is computed to be 10.2% (2). Currently, the prevalence of PDR in India is estimated to be 17% which is significantly higher compared to patients from other locations of Asia (3). Early detection and treatment is the only key to avoiding complications and risks of vision loss (4). But the major obstacle ahead of us in India is the failure to diagnose DR in early stages; as it is observed that only 18–35% of diabetics undergo ophthalmologic evaluation regularly (5). Pathogenesis Diabetic retinopathy is recognized as a neuro-vascular complication of diabetes. The triad of hyperglycemia, inflammation, and hypoxia along with retinal neurodegeneratio

  6. Interesting Reads 2 min read

    Covid Time: Standard Operating Procedures of Various Ophthalmic Societies & Institutes

    COVID-19 pandemic has eclipsed the earth. And we need to fight it together; together with our joint efforts, we can defeat this pandemic. As ophthalmologists, we are one of the frontline commandos against it. From eOphtha, we have tried to compile various standard operating procedures and guidelines being followed by various ophthalmic and optometry practices all over the world. Kindly click the links below. Please email your recommendations and guidelines for Ophthalmologists or Optometrists during the COVID-19 pandemic to drrohit999@gmail.com Standard Operating Procedures and Guidelines All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS): AIOS Operational Guidelines for Ophthalmic Practice during COVID 19 outbreak American Academy of Ophthalmology: Important Corona Virus Updates for ophthalmologists: Important Corona Virus Updates for Ophthalmologists American Society of Retina Specialists ASRS: Recommendations for Conducting Vitreoretinal Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic Canadian Society

  7. Articles 10 min read

    Cornea Edema : Ready Reckoner for the Post Graduates

    Corneal edema is defined as the increase in the thickness of cornea due to the accumulation of extracellular fluid in epithelium and stroma resulting in loss of corneal transparency. Pathophysiology: Cornea remains in a relatively dehydrated state maintaining a 78% hydration level. Corneal hydration depends on 5 factors. 1. Stromal swelling pressure (SP) This is the tendency of stroma to swell due to interfibrillary proteoglycans and other proteins. The normal stromal pressure is 55mmHg. Imbibition pressure (IP) – It is a negative pressure exerted by glycosaminoglycans by which fluid is drawn into the cornea. Intraocular pressure (IOP) = SP + IP 2. Barrier function The epithelium (Zonula occludens tight junction) offers twice the resistance to water flow compared to the endothelium (macula occludens tight junction) and the electrolyte resistance is 200 times higher in the epithelium than endothelium.1 3. Endothelial pump The endothelium pump function ensures, through active transport,

  8. Interesting Reads 8 min read

    Ten Tips for the Beginners for Performing Pediatric Cataract Surgery

    Congenital cataract has a worldwide prevalence of 4.24 per 10,000 people, with the largest prevalence found in Asia (1). It is one of the most important causes of treatable causes of childhood blindness (2). 1.Timing of cataract surgery In order to prevent stimulus deprivation amblyopia, children with dense visually significant bilateral congenital cataracts, surgery should be done at around 6–8 weeks of age (3) and in children with a unilateral visually significant cataract it should be done at the age group of 4-6 weeks (4) due to increased rates of postoperative glaucoma in the first four weeks of life (5). 2.Biometry In small children, axial length can be measured using an immersion/contact A-scan or B-scan ultrasonography. While using contact A-scan values, the value with maximum anterior chamber depth should be chosen to offset the inadvertent indentation of the cornea with the A-scan probe (6). Keratometry values can be obtained using an auto-keratometer. Readings should prefera

  9. Students Gallery 26 min read

    Lensopedia: Lenses in Ophthalmology

    Introduction: While there are several instruments in ophthalmological practice, lenses form an inseparable part of an ophthalmologist’s arsenal. Available in various sizes and shapes, they are crucial in aiding the visualization of remote areas of the eye and facilitate therapeutic interventions in those areas which would be next to impossible to even imagine without their availability. Harnessing the unlimited potential of optics, it allows an ophthalmologist to play with the most dynamic form of energy, light, provided he behold sound and in-depth knowledge about the lens. This write-up aims at helping one acquire this knowledge and employ them for a successful practice. Lens: A piece of glass or other transparent material with curved sides for concentrating or dispersing light rays. (Lexico Oxford Dictionary) Classification of lenses (Based on their utility) Lens for the anterior segment: Lens for posterior segment Gonioscopy Principles and Optics The critical angle for the cornea-a

  10. Articles 42 min read

    Retinopathy of Prematurity

    Introduction First described in 1942, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative retinopathy affecting premature infants of low birth weight. As per the original description by Terry et al, this disease was labelled as retrolental fibroplasia (RLF) based on the hypothesis that it involved the proliferation of the embryonic hyaloid system[1] But Owens and Owens later described that in these infants, the hyaloid system was normal at birth and the RLF developed postnatally.[2] The term “retinopathy of prematurity” was coined later as the disease pathogenesis and clinical presentation got better understood. [3]In the 1950s, the association between supplemental oxygen and ROP pathogenesis was first established by controlled studies done in the neonatal intensive care units. {4,5] The spectrum of ROP ranges from mild cases that may resolve spontaneously with no visual impairment to advanced cases with bilateral irreversible blindness within the first few months of life. Epidemio

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