AsianOphthalmology

Update/Activate iPhone anti-phishing feature

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 02:14:00 +0000

In order for Safari's anti-phishing database to update, there are a few particular steps that need to be followed.After updating the phone to the OS 3.1 update, users need to do the following:

1.Launch the Safari web browser.
2.Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
3.Charge the iPhone with the screen off.

This will update the phishing sites database and you'll be warned if you reach any such website with your safari browser on iPhone.

Anti-phishing feature is not available on any other mobile phone as far as I know.

Sarbjit Singh

Postop endophthalmitis rate comparable for 20- and 25-gauge vitrectomy

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 01:30:00 +0000

This retrospective series included 1,948 cases of sutured 20-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and 1,424 cases of sutureless 25-gauge PPV. At one-year follow-up, endothalmitis rates were similar. The authors believe their anti-infection protocol – povidone–iodine applied to the ocular surface and fornices before surgery. Injections of both subconjunctival antibiotic over each sclerotomy site and steroids after surgery – may have reduced the endophthalmitis risk of 25-gauge surgery. Ophthalmology, July 2009

Dr Sarbjit Singh
EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

Low-dose fibrinolytic therapy may improve vision in patients with acute central retinal vein occlusion

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:33:00 +0000

Researchers randomized 53 patients with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) or branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) to undergo either thrombolysis with 50 mg of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) or hemodilution within 11 days of symptom onset. They were followed for one year. Among CRVO patients, median BCVA was 20/60 in the rt-PA group vs. 20/400 in the hemodilution group. Among BRVO patients, there was a tendency for better vision in the rt-PA group, but the difference did not reach statistical significance, possibly due to the smaller subject pool. Retina, July/August 2009

Dr Sarbjit Singh
EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

Bilateral, simultaneous intravitreal injections appear well tolerated

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:50:00 +0000

This retrospective study evaluated 35 patients who received a mean of 5.9 injections over a one-year period. Some received Avastin or Lucentis alone, others Avastin in combination with triamcinolone or dexamethasone. A separate povidone-iodine preparation, speculum, needle, and syringe were used for each eye. Outcomes were positive and no patient requested alternating unilateral injections, after receiving bilateral injections. American Journal of Ophthalmology, July 2009

Dr Sarbjit Singh
EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

Avastin prior to vitrectomy for severe diabetic retinopathy appears beneficial

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:49:00 +0000

Researchers alternatively assigned 39 consecutive patients (41 eyes) undergoing primary pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade to receive one Avastin injection one week before surgery or no pretreatment. In the Avastin group, intra- and postoperative bleeding was significantly less, as was blood reabsorption time (11.1 vs. 34.8 days). BCVA improvement was significantly greater. However, subretinal bleeding was significantly more common in the Avastin group (nine cases vs. one). Retina, June 2009

Dr Sarbjit Singh
EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

Angle-supported phakic IOL shows promising one-year results

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:48:00 +0000

AcrySof phakic angle-supported IOL was implanted in 190 eyes (190 subjects) with moderate to high myopia in this phase three, nonrandomized, open-label, prospective study. One-year postoperative UCVA was 20/20 or better in 57.8 percent of subjects and 20/40 or better in 99.4 percent. All subjects obtained BSCVA of 20/32 or better, and 85.7 percent reached 20/20 or better. Mean central endothelial density decreased 4.77 percent (15 percent experienced 10 percent or more loss). No pupil ovalization, pupillary block or retinal detachment occurred. Ophthalmology, July 2009

Dr Sarbjit Singh
EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

Oral famciclovir appears a good treatment option for acute retinal necrosis

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:45:00 +0000

Researchers assigned 10 patients (10 eyes) undergoing pars plana vitrectomy to take three 500-mg doses the day before surgery and another dose one hour before surgery. Analysis of vitreous samples taken during surgery showed potentially therapeutic concentrations of the active metabolite penciclovir. Though not necessarily superior to oral valacyclovir or intravenous acyclovir, famciclovir may be a reasonable choice given its favorable pharmacokinetic profile and lower potential toxicity, the authors concluded. American Journal of Ophthalmology, July 2009

Dr Sarbjit Singh
EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

VEGF Trap-Eye shows promising early results in diabetic macular edema

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 23:24:00 +0000

Researchers treated five patients with a single intravitreal injection of 4.0 mg of VEGF Trap-Eye, and followed them for six weeks. No ocular toxicity was observed. At six weeks, four of the five patients showed improvement in foveal thickness (median 31 percent reduction from baseline) and improvement in BCVA (median improvement of three letters). Compared with Lucentis, VEGF Trap-Eye has a longer half-life after intraocular injection, a higher binding affinity to VEGF-A, and it binds to other members of the VEGF family, including placental growth. British Journal of Ophthalmology, February 2009

Dr. Sarbjit Singh
EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

PCR testing appears a useful adjunct in diagnosis of infectious posterior uveitis

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 23:22:00 +0000

This retrospective analysis examined the results of PCR testing on 133 patients presenting at a single institution with possible chorioretinitis. The authors used a commercial reference laboratory for testing a total of 433 PCR assays on acquired aqueous and vitreous samples. PCR testing of aqueous humor was found to be a safe, easily performed first-line diagnostic procedure that is useful as an adjunct to careful history and clinical examination. In most cases, vitreous sampling was not required, and PCR reaction alone without antibody testing resulted in a large percentage of confirmed diagnoses. Cases with vascular or optic nerve inflammation, extensive retinitis, or immunocompromise may benefit from adjunctive anterior chamber PCR testing, especially if the testing is carried out relatively early in the disease course. American Journal of Ophthalmology, January 2009

Dr. Sarbjit Singh
EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

OCT shows oblique incisions provide adequate wound closure even one day after surgery

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 03:23:00 +0000

Researchers prospectively evaluated 14 consecutive patients who underwent 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy. All incisions were oblique (beveled or angled) tunneled incisions parallel to the limbus. Visante OCT images showed all incisions were securely closed on day one and day eight postop. American Journal of Ophthalmology, January 2009

Dr. Sarbjit Singh
EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

Tonometers with small calibration errors may still be clinically acceptable to use

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 03:20:00 +0000

The researchers compared a gold standard zero-error tonometer and tonometers with known calibration errors ranging to +5 mmHg. While a relationship does exist between calibration error and clinical error in measured IOP, it is not a one-to-one relationship. If a tonometer has a calibration error of less than + 3 mmHg, it would not overestimate IOP by more than 2 mmHg. The authors conclude that “where resources are limited, it maybe be clinically acceptable” to use tonometers with known small calibration errors. Ophthalmology, January 2009

Dr. Sarbjit SIngh
EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

Study finds similar endophthalmitis rates for 20- and 25-gauge vitrectomy

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:23:00 +0000

Contrary to recent studies, this retrospective review of 6,935 consecutive patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy with either 20- or 25-gauge instrumentation finds no statistically significant difference between endophthalmitis rates. Irrigation fluid from the ocular surface and vitreous samples were collected from some patients in both groups. Microbial contamination of the vitreous was found in 1.2 percent of 20-gauge group and in 2.3 percent of 25-gauge group, while contamination rates in ocular surface irrigation fluid was 5.9 percent in the 20-gauge group compared to 5.5 percent in the 25-gauge group. In 25-gauge surgery, the authors recommend conjunctival irrigation, ensuring sclerotomy closure, and excision of peripheral vitreous to help prevent postvitrectomy endophthalmitis. Ophthalmology, December 2008

Dr.Sarbjit Singh
EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

Study: corneal indentation for early acute angle closure worth revisiting

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 13:40:00 +0000

This retrospective case series describes seven patients (eight eyes) who underwent corneal indentation as part of their early management of AAC. IOP was significantly reduced, with an average reduction of 20.9 mmHg. Three of four patients with severe acute pain reported early resolution of pain. In addition, by reducing corneal edema, the angle can be visualized, and a peripheral iridotomy can be performed safely, and it can be performed in rural settings. Ophthalmology, January 2009

Dr. Sarbjit Singh
EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

Daily disposable and silicone hydrogel contact lenses do not reduce risk of microbial keratitis

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 04:18:00 +0000

This two-year, prospective, case-control study included 367 contact lens wearers with presumed microbial keratitis (MK) seen at a Moorfields, and a large control group of CL wearers. While the relative risk of MK was significantly increased with daily disposable (DD) contact lenses, vision loss is less likely to occur in DD than in reusable soft CL users. Researchers suggest that different brands of CL may be associated with significantly different risks of keratitis, and conclude that lens/ocular surface interactions maybe more important in the development of corneal infection than oxygen levels and CL case contamination. Ophthalmology, October 2008

EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

Dr Sarbjit Singh

Wearing swimming goggles can elevate IOP

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 01:41:00 +0000

This research consisted of an initial pilot study and a subsequent validation study to examine the effects of wearing goggles on IOP. IOP increased while wearing goggles by a mean pressure of 4.5 mm Hg with this pressure rise being sustained for the duration of goggle wear. A smaller goggle face area was consistently associated with greater IOP. It appears advisable to warn glaucoma patients about the potential risk of raised IOP while wearing small swimming goggles. British Journal of Ophthalmology, September 2008

EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

Dr Sarbjit Singh

Presenting visual acuity in patients with BRAO is strongly correlated with long-term visual prognosis

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:31:00 +0000

This retrospective review analyzed 52 consecutive patients (52 eyes) treated at two vitreoretinal practices. At 14 months follow-up, 89 percent of eyes who presented seeing 20/40 or better uncorrected had retained their baseline vision, while only 14 percent of eyes with 20/100 or worse BCVA had improved to 20/40 or better. The authors conclude that presenting visual acuity may be essential in deciding whether to pursue aggressive treatment. American Journal of Ophthalmology, September 2008

Eye For Excellence

Human study shows trypan blue increases capsular stiffness, reduces elasticity

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 05:02:00 +0000

Researchers obtained 19 anterior capsules from human eyes at the time of cataract surgery. They cut two same-size strips from each capsule, exposing one to trypan blue staining for 10 seconds, and using the other as a control. The stained capsules were less elastic and tore under less stretching force. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, August 2008

EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

Dr Sarbjit Singh

Most of the benefit of patching and atropine persist through age 10

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 05:00:00 +0000

The Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group previously found that patching and atropine were similarly effective in patients with moderate amblyopia (visual acuity, 20/40-20/100). Investigators in this study evaluated these children at age 10. While improvement in the amblyopic eye is maintained, about half of children initially treated between ages 3 and 7 have mild residual amblyopia at age 10 (visual acuity less than 20/25). Outcome was slightly better in patients treated between the ages of 3 and 5, compared to those treated between ages 5 and 7. Archives of Ophthalmology, August 2008

EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

Dr Sarbjit Singh

Three laser relaxing incisions after cataract surgery can prevent anterior capsule contraction

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 06:29:00 +0000

Researchers randomly assigned 100 patients to have either two or three relaxing incisions made in the anterior capsular rim with a Nd:YAG laser three days after bilateral cataract surgery. Laser treatment was performed in only one eye of each patient, with the fellow eye serving as a control. In eyes with three incisions, the mean percentage reduction was about 4 percent, while mean reduction in fellow eyes with no incisions was 17 percent. No decrease in contraction was observed in eyes with two incisions. American Journal of Ophthalmology, July 2008

EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

Dr. Sarbjit Singh

Voriconazole injection appears a good option for deep-seated recalcitrant fungal keratitis

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 04:31:00 +0000

Three patients unresponsive to topical antifungal therapy underwent intrastromal injection of voriconazole 50 micrograms/0.1 ml, in combination with topical treatment. Within three weeks, the authors observed faster reduction in the size of corneal infiltration, and a complete resolution of the ulcers in all three patients. American Journal of Ophthalmology, July 2008

Eye For Excellence

Dr. Sarbjit Singh

Long-term IOP fluctuation appears unrelated to the risk of converting from ocular hypertension to glaucoma

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:43:00 +0000

Researchers observed 252 eyes of 126 patients with untreated ocular hypertension. Forty eyes of 31 patients developed glaucoma during the follow-up period, with a 25.4 ± 4.2 mmHg mean IOP during follow-up in the eyes that progressed to glaucoma, and 24.1 ± 3.5 mmHg for the eyes that did not. Corresponding values for IOP fluctuation were 3.16 ± 1.35 mmHg and 2.77 ± 1.11 mmHg, respectively. In both the univariable and multivariable analysis, IOP fluctuation was not a risk factor for developing glaucoma. Ophthalmology, June 2008

EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

Dr.Sarbjit Singh

Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty appears to reduce corneal refractive power

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:01:00 +0000

Researchers retrospectively analyzed four patients after posterior lamellar corneal transplantation with cataract extraction and IOL implantation. All eyes had a hyperopic refractive error after surgery. Average preoperative keratometry was 43.4 D; after surgery, it was 42.8 D. However, when the postsurgical corneal power was calculated using the Gaussian optics method, the average value was 40.8 D. American Journal of Ophthalmology, June 2008

EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

Dr.Sarbjit Singh

Azithromycin 1% ophthalmic solution may be a viable treatment option for children and adults with bacterial conjunctivitis

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 07:58:00 +0000

This randomized, vehicle-controlled trial compared the clinical and bacterial resolution rates in 316 participants treated for five days with either 0.1% tobramycin drops (four times daily) or 1% azithromycin in DuraSite (two drops on days one and two, one drop on days three through five). Higher bacterial eradication rates were observed with azithromycin than vehicle for gram-negative (91.4% vs 78.6%) and gram-positive (89.4% vs 60.6%) bacteria, indicating a broad spectrum of microbial activity. American Journal of Ophthalmology, June 2008

EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

Dr.Sarbjit Singh

Vitamin E appears to have no effect in preventing cataracts

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 01:20:00 +0000

A large, randomized trial of healthy females age 45 or older found that vitamin E supplementation for an average of 9.7 years had no beneficial or harmful effect on risk of cataract or cataract subtypes. Ophthalmology, May 2008

EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

Dr.Sarbjit Singh

Early infantile esotropia surgery helps promote normal motor development

noreply@blogger.com (AsianOphthalmology) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 01:18:00 +0000

Parents of 161 infants with infantile esotropia completed a motor development questionnaire before and/or after corrective surgery. Before surgery the children demonstrated significant delays in developmental milestones compared to controls. After surgery, they demonstrated a greater rate of sensorimotor development than controls, and caught up with normal children on both sensorimotor and gross motor skills. Journal of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, April 2008

EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

Dr.Sarbjit Singh