PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the anatomical and visual outcomes of scleral buckle (SB) surgery with the pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in the management of chronic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHODS: This cohort study included patients who underwent surgical repair SB group and PPV group for chronic retinal detachment during 2014–2018 at the King Khalid Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh. The anatomical and functional success rate at 12 months after surgery was compared in two groups. Cox regression and linear regression analysis were performed to identify the predictor of anatomical and functional outcomes, respectively. Need for second surgery was also evaluated. RESULTS: Our cohort had 68 eyes in SB and 64 eyes in PPV group. Eyes that underwent PPV were more likely to develop retinal detachment over 12 months than those that underwent SB surgery (adjusted heart rates 2.11, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95–4.64 P = 0.065). A multivariable linear regression analysis did not reveal a significant association between the surgery type and change in visual acuity (beta coefficient, 0.002; 95% CI,−0.184, 0.189 for specific bread volume; P = 0.979). A higher percentage of eyes in the PPV group compared with those in the SB surgery group required secondary surgery (39.1% vs. 22.1%; P = 0.034). CONCLUSION: Scleral buckling surgery showed a better single surgery anatomic success rate as compared to PPV in the management of chronic primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. The functional outcome of the two procedures was comparable.

PURPOSE: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most serious complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). It is the most common cause of blindness among the working age group in the developed world and the fifth leading cause of global blindness. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 2.8% of all blindness is caused by DR. Studies addressing the prevalence of DR and associated factors are scarce in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to determine the Prevalence and associated factors of DR development among DM patients attending University of Gondar, Tertiary Eye Care and Training center. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2019 to February 2020 involving all consecutive diabetes patients who visited the center during the study period. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and data extraction check list and entered into SPSS version 20 and analyzed. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were done to identify predictors of DR. Statistical significance was determined with 95% confidence interval (CI) using odds ratio and P < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 225 DM patients with a mean age of 55.4 ± 13.5 years were studied, of whom 95 (42.2%) had DR. Duration of diabetes ≥6 years (AOR = 2.91: 95% CI; 1.01–8.35) and baseline age < 60 years (AOR = 3.2: 95% CI; 1.19–8.63) were significantly associated with DR. DR was significantly associated with the form of therapy. Those on insulin (P = 0.025) and oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) with insulin combination (P = 0.014) had statistically significantly associated with the development of DR. Patients with systolic blood pressure of <140 mmHg were 3.6 times (AOR = 0.28: 95% CI: 0.09–0.82) less likely to have DR. A majority of patients had nonproliferative DR without diabetic macular edema (DME) (34.2%). DME and proliferative DR were seen in 5.7% and 3.6% of the patients, respectively. Vision threatening DR (VTDR) was seen in 10.7% of patients. There was a significant association between age <60 years and VTDR (AOR = 4.19: 95% CI; 1.23–14.35). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of DR among our study patients was very high. Longer duration of diabetes, higher systolic blood pressure, baseline age <60 years, use of insulin alone, and use of combination of insulin with OHA were independently associated with DR. Health education, early screening, and treatment are recommended.

PURPOSE: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of vision loss globally, and early detection plays a significant role in the prognosis. Several studies have been done on the single field fundus photography and artificial intelligence (AI) in DR screening using standardized data sets in urban outpatient settings. This study was carried out to validate AI algorithm in the detection of DR severity using fundus photography in real-time rural setting. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 138 patients who underwent routine ophthalmic examination, irrespective of their diabetic status. The participants were subjected to a single field color fundus photography using nonmydriatic fundus camera. The images acquired were processed by AI algorithm for image quality, presence and refer ability of DR. The results were graded by four ophthalmologists. Interobserver variability between the four observers was also calculated. RESULTS: Of the 138 patients, 26 patients (18.84%) had some stage of DR, represented by 47 images (17.03%) positive for signs of DR. All 26 patients were immoderate or severe stage. About 6.5% of the images were considered as not gradable due to poor optical quality. The average agreement between pairs of the four graders was 95.16% for referable DR (RDR). The AI showed 100% sensitivity in detecting DR while the specificity for RDR was 91.47%. CONCLUSION: AI has shown excellent sensitivity and specificity in RDR detection, at par with the performance of individual ophthalmologists and is an invaluable tool for DR screening.

PURPOSE: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide, and its prevalence may also be on the increase in Nigeria. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the burden and pattern of presentation of AMD in a developing country. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, prospective study from January to December 2018. Biodata and history of systemic disease were obtained from consecutive patients presenting at four collaborating retina clinics and diagnosed with a retina disease after dilated fundus examination and ocular investigations such as fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography. All eyes diagnosed to have wet and dry AMD were used for the study analysis. RESULTS: Out of 8614 patients, 156 eyes of 78 patients were diagnosed with AMD. The hospital-based prevalence for AMD was 0.91%. The mean age at presentation was 67.9 ± 9.2 years, ranging from 44 to 95 years. A majority (75.6%) of patients were between 60 and 79 years, 53.8% were females. Thirty-two eyes (20.5%) had wet AMD, while 124 eyes (79.5%) had dry AMD. Sixty-one eyes (39.1%) had moderate visual impairment (<6/18-6/60); 58 eyes (37.2%) had normal vision (6/18 and better); while 27 eyes (17.3%) were blind, and ten eyes (6.4%) had severe visual impairment. CONCLUSION: AMD contributes to the burden of visual impairment and blindness in the elderly Nigerian. In Nigeria, AMD occurs more in females and most common between the ages of 60 and 79. Dry AMD is four times more common than wet AMD. About 24% of eyes have severe visual impairment or blindness, while about a third each have a moderate visual impairment and normal vision. Increasing awareness of AMD among the at-risk population will be beneficial in achieving early diagnosis and treatment.

PURPOSE: This study aims to identify the use of limbal versus fornix incisions among strabismus surgeons in Saudi Arabia and the preferred approach to teaching trainees with the shortest learning curve. METHODS: Two designed questionnaires were sent to local strabismus surgeons and ophthalmology trainees. RESULTS: A total of 127 participants responded to our survey: fifty-nine consultants (53% Saudi nationals and 43% expat ophthalmologists) and 68 trainees. The limbal approach was the preferred approach for all settings, including the primary pediatric procedure (30, 55.9%), pediatric reoperation (40, 64.7%), adult primary procedure (32, 55.9%), and reoperation (40, 70%). The reason was attributed to better exposure. As for fornix incision, the most commonly cited reason was less pain and discomfort. For the adjustable suture technique, 29 (49.2%) did not use adjustable sutures, and 22 (37.3%) prefer the limbal approach. When we compared Saudi versus non-Saudi surgeons, 26 (83.87%) Saudi surgeons were trained to perform the limbal method, whereas 16 (57.14%) non-Saudi surgeons were trained to perform the fornix approach. Of the trainees, 35 (51%) were trained on the limbal approach. When asked about the learning curve for different methods, 41 (60.3%) noted a faster learning curve with the limbal approach. CONCLUSION: Despite the many advantages of the fornix incision, it remains uncommon in our region. Each technique of strabismus surgery has its advantages and disadvantages. Programs should teach all methods to trainees. One should add all styles to his armamentarium and choose the appropriate one for each patient.

PURPOSE: The topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug bromfenac 0.09% has a potential benefit in uveitic macular edema (UME) with a safe side effect profile. The aim of the study is to assess the efficacy of bromfenac sodium solution in the treatment of UME. METHODS: The charts of 10 patients with macular edema due to noninfectious uveitis treated with bromfenac 0.09% were reviewed retrospectively. The main outcomes studied were the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the central retinal thickness (CRT) compared 4 months before bromfenac initiation, at the time of its initiation, and 4 months later. RESULTS: Twelve eyes of 10 patients were included. BCVA and CRT were unchanged 4 months befoew bromfenac compared to the time of bromfenac initiation (P = 1.0 and P = 0.2, respectively). There were a significant improvement in BCVA after 4 months of bromfenac treatment (P = 0.043) and a significant decrease in CRT (P = 0.002). Subretinal fluid resolved completely in 8/9 eyes, and 4/9 eyes had a complete resolution of cystoid macular edema at 4 months. CONCLUSION: Bromfenac may be a useful addition to the treatment of UME.

PURPOSE: Patients with chronic sixth nerve palsy (CSNP) comprise a heterogeneous population, and the optimal surgical solution remains uncertain. Here, we present the success rate and factors associated with the success of strabismus surgeries for CSNP. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with strabismus due to CSNP operated on between 2015 and 2019 in a tertiary eye hospital in central Saudi Arabia. Surgical success was defined as a horizontal deviation of ≤10 prism diopters (PDs) assessed at least 12 months after surgery. Differences between groups with respect to the primary outcome were assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients were analyzed with a median follow-up of 24 (range 12–48) months. Superior rectus and inferior rectus transposition (34.5%) and medial rectus recession with lateral rectus resection (32.7%) were the main surgeries performed. The overall success rate was 67.3% (95% confidence interval 54.9–79.7). Bilateral CSNP (P = 0.05), a higher preoperative angle of deviation (P = 0.002), or a greater degree of preoperative limitation of abduction (P = 0.012), but not the type of surgery (P = 0.09), were more likely to result in an under-corrected outcome of >10 PD. The preoperative deviation angle showed a trend toward being associated with a poor outcome after surgery (P = 0.06). Six patients with high-angle deviation before surgery required second surgery. CONCLUSION: While the surgical procedure does not impact outcomes, the severity of preoperative horizontal deviation might impact surgical success and the need for reoperation. Patients with severe CSNP should be counseled appropriately about the chances of surgical success and the potential need for further interventions.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of mitomycin-C (MMC) 0.02% application on corneal endothelium in patients undergoing photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for the correction of myopia and compound myopic astigmatism. METHODS: A prospective observational study including patients with myopia who underwent PRK plus intraoperative application of MMC 0.02%. All patients underwent noncontact specular microscopy preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. The following parameters were analyzed: mean cell area (MCA), central corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), and coefficient of variation (CV) in cell size. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-nine eyes of 73 patients with a mean age of 24.95 ± 3.23 years were included in the study. Mean baseline preoperative pachymetry was 519.54 ± 28.62 μm. The mean preoperative spherical equivalent was −4.6 ± 2.3D (range from −1D to −10D) which decreased to mean postoperative spherical equivalent of −0.125 ± 0.32D. Mean baseline ECD was 2829.3 ± 188.8 cells/mm², MCA was 354.6 ± 24.9 μm²/cell, CV was 0.35 ± 0.06, and hexagonality was 50.1 ± 6.64. The mean ECD decreased by 43 ± 1.6 cells/mm² which was not statistically significant (P = 0.07). The MCA increased by 5 ± 1.3 μm²/cell, but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.07). However, both the CV and percentage of hexagonal cells showed statistically significant differences in the median values as compared to preoperatively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In our study, MMC had no significant effect on corneal endothelial cell counts or MCA. While there were statistically reduced CV and percentage of hexagonal cells, these did not appear to be clinically significant. MMC is safe to use routinely to prevent haze formation in PRK.

PURPOSE: Certain ocular resident or pathogenic microbes may remain viable in the presence of multi-purpose disinfectant solutions (MPDSs), subsequently developing biofilms inside contact lens storage cases (CLSCs) which pose a risk of infection to wearers. This study evaluated the formation of ocular microbiota biofilms exposed to three top selling MPDS. METHODS: Crystal violet assay was carried out for the verification of biofilm formation. The in vitro assays evaluated Pseudomonas aeruginosa UFPEDA 416 and Staphylococcus aureus UFPEDA 02 exposure of 48 h to MPDS, as well as the use of 40 KHz ultrasound at the beginning and with 24 h immersion in the MPDS. Subsequently, in vivo assays evaluated the formation of microbial biofilms on the CLSC walls containing silicone-hydrogel contact lenses immersed in MPDS from 15 healthy volunteer patients, who had been wearing the lenses for 7 days. RESULTS: Biofilms were inhibited by 26%–98% in the in vitro assays, with a statistically significant difference only for P. aeruginosa UFPEDA 416 exposed to diluted MPDS. Most inhibitions occurred moderately and weakly. In addition, adherent cells were detected in more than 90% of the tests. Biofilm was not inhibited in more than one third of the results, nor was it disturbed, especially with the ultrasound treatments. The average of obtained optical densities at 590 nm was between 0.6 and 0.8 in the in vivo assays. The results were similar between the CLSC right and left wells. There was a correlation between microbial biofilm formation and the type of MPDS tested, with statistical difference between the three treatments. CONCLUSION: MPDS promoted a partial inhibition of microbial biofilm formation but only one MPDS proved to be more effective in vitro and in vivo. This study, however, could not distinguish the effect of possible errors in the good hygiene practices of the users.

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) around diabetic eye disease in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) attending primary health-care centers (PHCCs) in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: All diabetic patients attending eight PHCCs in Jazan region between December 2018 and December 2019 were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Face-to-face interviews were held to gather responses to a validated 20-item questionnaire. RESULTS: In total, 293 patients aged 9–90 years (mean 50 years, standard deviation 14 years) agreed to participate, including 189 (64.5%) females and 104 (35.5%) males. Most (n = 251; 85.7%) had type 2 DM, the remainder (42; 14.3%) having type 1 DM. The mean duration of DM was 8.2 ± 6.4 years. Eye complications were self-reported by 114 (38.9%) participants. More than one-third (36.2%) of the participants had never undergone an eye examination. Less than one-third of participants (29% and 28% respectively) had an excellent level of knowledge or practice about diabetic eye disease, and only 12% demonstrated very positive attitude. KAP levels were independently predicted by patients' age, gender, and eye complication status. CONCLUSION: KAP relating to eye disease and eye care among Saudi patients with DM were less than desired. Rigorous efforts are required to raise awareness of eye complications among diabetic patients.

The present paper reviewed the ocular complications resulting from the use of traditional eye medicine in Central Saudi Arabia. We performed a literature search of the PubMed database using the keywords “traditional medicine,” “herbal medicine,” “ocular injuries,” and “visual impairments,” covering all years available for peer-reviewed full-text articles, letters, and review chapters of books. An additional search was performed in Google Scholar. All published materials were in English. Several ocular symptoms and disorders, including conjunctival cicatrization, symblepharon formation, obliteration of the fornices and the canaliculi, keratinization of the cornea, dryness, central corneal thinning, and corneal epithelial defect, have been associated with the use of traditional herbal medicine. In addition, the use of traditional eye medicine may result in corneal edema, opacity, ulceration, and perforation. Early recognition of ocular injuries could avoid or at least delay long-term sequelae. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the side effects of traditional remedies. Furthermore, public education, early detection of symptoms, and timely intervention may prevent permanent damage to the eyes.

In aqueous misdirection, the interval between diagnosis and surgical intervention is inversely proportional to the success of the surgery. Here, we report a successful outcome of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with irido-zonulo-hyaloidectomy 4 years after the onset of the disease. A 34-year-old female, known to have primary angle closure glaucoma, underwent trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in the right eye for uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP). Six weeks after the surgery, the patient presented with a shallow anterior chamber centrally and peripheral iridocorneal touch along with a patent peripheral iridectomy. Ultrasound biomicroscopy showed a shallow AC centrally with peripheral iridocorneal touch, and the ciliary body was rotated forward confirming the diagnosis of aqueous misdirection. The patient refused surgical management and was managed medically, which was unsuccessful. Four years after the diagnosis, the patient underwent PPV with irido-zonulo-hyaloidectomy because of progressive shallowing of the AC and corneal edema. One month postoperatively, visual acuity improved from 20/200 to 20/60, and the AC maintained appropriate depth. In conclusion, PPV with irido-zonulo-hyaloidectomy may result in a complete resolution of a chronic low-grade form of aqueous misdirection.

Ocular tuberculosis (TB) is one of the extrapulmonary manifestations of mycobacterium TB. Episcleritis is a rare entity that may affect patients in endemic areas of TB. In this paper, we report a case of presumed recurrent episcleritis attributed to TB. TB should be kept as a possible cause of recurrent simple episcleritis upon encountering patients with endemic backgrounds to prevent the complication sequalae and halt recurrence.