PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to assess platelet activation by analyzing three platelet activation parameters in ocular Behçet's disease (BD): mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and plateletcrit (PCT). METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with active ocular BD (Group 1), 40 patients with inactive ocular BD (Group 2), and 40 healthy adult individuals serving as controls (Group 3) were evaluated. All of the individuals had been performed the complete ophthalmologic evaluation. The levels of MPV, PDW, and PCT were measured in each group. RESULTS: The mean MPV level was 8.40 ± 0.97 in Group 1, 8.32 ± 1.04 in Group 2, and 7.77 ± 0.72 in Group 3. The mean PDW level was 15.12 ± 1.09 in Group 1, 14.97 ± 1.02 in Group 2, and 14.52 ± 0.82 in Group 3. The mean PCT level was 0.23 ± 0.07 in Group 1, 0.21 ± 0.04 in Group 2, and 0.18 ± 0.03 in Group 3. MPV, PDW, and PCT levels were significantly higher in ocular BD patients than controls (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Platelet activation may affect vascular occlusion in ocular Behçet's patients with posterior segment involvement. This result may be important in evaluating ocular BD patients.

PURPOSE: Conjunctivolimbal autograft is proposed to be the best treatment for pterygium and autograft can be fixed either with sutures or without. This study was undertaken to assess and compare the efficacy of sutureless versus suture techniques for conjunctivolimbal autografting in primary pterygium. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in the department of ophthalmology in a tertiary care center from March 2018 to September 2019. Twenty consecutive patients in the age group of 20 to 70 years with primary pterygium were included. Ten patients underwent suture technique for autograft placement, whereas ten patients underwent sutureless technique. Comparison of both the groups was done in terms of duration of surgery and postoperative symptoms. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel software and analyzed using SPSS software. RESULTS: In the first group, the mean duration of surgery was 48 min and it was 38 min in the second group. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.000). Postoperatively, foreign-body sensation was present in nine patients in the first group, whereas it was absent among the patients in the second group. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.000). Four patients in the first group and two patients in the second group had postoperative hyperemia and only one patient in the first group had conjunctival chemosis. A graft-related complication was present in one patient in the second group. CONCLUSION: Sutureless technique is a better technique as compared to conventional suture technique.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate systemic inflammation in patients with pterygium using the monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) and hematologic indexes of inflammation. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with primary pterygium and 31 age-and sex-matched healthy participants were enrolled in this retrospective study. The MHR, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-to-eosinophil ratio, mean platelet volume-to-platelet count ratio, platelet distribution width, and red cell distribution width were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There was not a statistically significant difference in terms of the MHR between the pterygium group and the control group (P = 0.693). The NLR was higher in the pterygium group than in the control group (P = 0.028). In the other hematologic indexes, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: The MHR is not associated with the presence of pterygium. An increased NLR in patients with pterygium may be an indicator of systemic inflammation.

PURPOSE: To present the outcomes of levator plication (levatorpexy) surgery by posterior approach for correction of ptosis of different aetiologies in Indian eyes. METHODS: Retrospective review of clinical notes and clinical photos of consecutive ptosis patients who underwent levatorpexy from January 2017 to September 2018. Surgery was considered successful if the following four criteria were simultaneously met: a postoperative MRD1 of ≥2 mm and ≤4.5 mm, inter eyelid height asymmetry of ≤1 mm, no overcorrection compared to the opposite eye, and a satisfactory eyelid contour determined by patient. RESULTS: Thirty six eyelids of 36 patients (mean age, 23.6 years; 25 females) underwent unilateral levatorpexy with the left eyelid affected in 66.6 %. Twenty one congenital (58.3%) (C), 12 (33.3%) aponeurotic (A) and 3 (8.3%) complex ptosis (CX) had a mean levator function of 9.8 mm (range, 6 to 15). Mean pre and post operative margin reflex distance (MRD 1) was 0.611mm (range, -1 to 3 mm) and 3.00 mm (range, 2 to 4 mm) respectively. At the final follow up of 12 months, four patients remained under corrected (11.1%). At the final follow up of twelve months, the success rate was 78 percent. CONCLUSION: Posterior approach for ptosis repair offers a scar less, minimally invasive, easy to revise, and successful lid height correction in congenital and acquired ptosis.

PURPOSE: Glaucoma is a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide, and plateau iris syndrome (PIS) is the most common nonpupillary block mechanism of angle closure. This study aims to assess the prevalence of PIS among Saudi population. METHODS: It is a prospective observational study that examined patients previously diagnosed with chronic angle closure. Those patients already underwent peripheral laser iridotomy (PLI) and were assessed clinically and by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). RESULTS: A total of 147 eyes in 77 patients were included in this study. The mean age among subjects was 61.2 years, and almost 69% were females. Chronic angle closure was noted to be bilateral in 91% of patients, whereas 5% had their left eye involved and 4% had right eye involved. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) before PLI and after laser treatment was 19.3 and 16.2, respectively. The mean visual acuity before and after PLI was 0.3 logMAR. After UBM examination, plateau iris was found in 41.5% of subjects. The anterior chamber (AC) depth was noted to be deeper in PIS patients (P = 0.046). Other risk factors were observed in our study including place of residency (P = 0.048) and preintervention IOP (P = 0.032). CONCLUSION: PIS is the most common mechanism of nonpupillary block angle closure. In addition to clinical findings, UBM is important to reach the appropriate diagnosis. This study reviewed the prevalence of PIS with the aid of UBM; it was found consistent with previous reports. In addition, PIS risk factors included AC depth, place of residency, and preintervention IOP.

PURPOSE: Injuries caused by explosive materials are associated with severe ocular morbidity and visual impairment. This study aims to document the ophthalmic morbidity of terrorist-related severe injuries at a tertiary eye care center in the Middle East and report specific injury patterns. METHODS: In a noncomparative, interventional, retrospective case series, the visual outcomes were evaluated of 36 patients treated at a tertiary eye center in the Middle East for terrorist-related injuries from January 2003 to December 2019. Data were collected on age, gender, involved eye, initial examination of ocular injuries, associated systemic injuries, presenting visual acuity, anterior and posterior segment examinations, and the type of injury (open vs. closed globe). RESULTS: Among the 36 patients (32 males; average age, 28.1 years), 28 (77.8%) sustained trauma to one eye and 8 (22.2%) to both eyes. Despite multiple surgical procedures (average 3.1 surgeries), all patients suffered a severe visual loss. Final visual acuity of no light perception was recorded in 28 (77.8%) eyes and both eyes of 5 patients (13.9%). CONCLUSION: Ophthalmic morbidity from terrorist-related injuries may be devastating, and the vast majority of patients experience a permanent loss of vision.

PURPOSE: Faculty development for procedural specialists aims at developing both their medical education and surgical competence. This has been challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in under-resourced settings and African Lusophone ophthalmology community has been no exception. The Mozambican College of Ophthalmology (MOC) and the Continuing Professional Development Committee of the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) established a collaboration to enhance simulation-based clinical teaching competence in cataract surgery. METHODS: Ten Mozambican ophthalmologists experienced in teaching cataract surgery participated in a group mentoring assisted 6 month/11 flipped-learning online experience on curriculum design, which included practice-based and social learning strategies, continuous bidirectional feedback, individual and group reflection opportunities, and the demonstration of declarative and procedural competencies. Program evaluation consisted of pre and post-test knowledge assessment; individual homework, informed by curated reading and a recorded lesson; feedback surveys for each module and one month after the program's conclusion, and a longitudinal project on creating a simulation-based education session on one step of cataract surgery. RESULTS: Participants a) highlighted the opportunity to advance their scholarly teaching skills as facilitators; b) showed an increase in knowledge post-test, expressed commitment to improve their learning experiences' design, include interactive educational methods, and provide constructive feedback; and c) formed a sustained community of practice of ophthalmologists educators (CoP). CONCLUSION: This online faculty development program, assisted by group mentoring, held during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitated the development of a CoP and was effective in enhancing teaching competence in curriculum design to apply in simulation-based learning environments.

PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of coronavirus infection disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic on ophthalmic referrals within an academic tertiary center in Oman. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of internal referrals received and evaluated by the ophthalmology department between March 1and August 31, 2020 (COVID-19 period) compared to a corresponding period in 2019 (pre COVID-19). Data included patient demographics, referral details, ocular diagnosis, intervention, and discharge plan. RESULTS: Referral volume significantly decreased by 58.2%; from 2019 prepandemic to 510 (P = 0.001), with the lowest in April and May 2020. Patient demographics did not differ significantly, but “urgent” referrals reduced by 96.2% (P < 0.001). Main reasons for referrals were reduced vision and screening in both periods. During pandemic, referrals for screening purposes increased from 30.3% to 37.9% (P = 0.013) and for reduced vision decreased from 30% to 23.3% (P = 0.021). Dry eye syndrome increased in frequency during 2020 (from 2.9% to 7.3%, P = 0.002) but cataracts and conjunctivitis both decreased (from 4.7% to 2.1%, P = 0.046 and from 2.3% to 0.3%, P = 0.013, respectively). Ocular trauma remained stable (from 0.8% to 0.3%, P = 0.456), but the proportion of chemical injuries increased by 13.7% (P = 0.025). There was a drastic decrease in interventions from 37% to 26.1% (P < 0.001) and an increase in discharge rate from 61.2% to 75.8% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on ophthalmic referrals within a tertiary academic centre in oman referral reductions and changes in pattern and characteristics as an epiphenomenon of COVID-19 reflect the extent of impact specifically in an Omani context. This information is vital for planning proper resource utilization, the adoption of innovative care delivery, and improving referral system pathways.

PURPOSE: Cataract surgical rate (CSR) (cataract surgeries performed per million population) is an eye health indicator that helps assess the state of eye care services. A survey in 2002 revealed a CSR of 2254. The current survey aimed to establish a new and sustainable development goal compliant baseline for the volume of cataract surgery performed by different service providers in Pakistan at district, provincial, and national levels. METHODS: The survey was commissioned by the National Committee for Eye Health under the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination. The methodology used for the survey included identification and mapping of all service providers by district and category and data collection from all districts in the country. RESULTS: There were more cataract surgeries performed in women than men with a male-to-female ratio of 0.95. About 98.9% of all cataract surgeries were performed with intraocular lenses, while 63.9% were performed by phacoemulsification. About 17.7% of cataract surgical services were provided in the government sector (including Forces), while nongovernmental organizations and the private sector contributed to 82.3%. Pakistan achieved a national CSR of 5307 which is almost double the CSR determined in 2002. CONCLUSION: In order to achieve a CSR of 7500+ by 2030, there is a need for at least 1,840,000 cataract surgeries to be performed annually. If there is no change in the current annual cataract surgical output, the CSR will drop to 4628 by 2030.

PURPOSE: To review students' perceived symptom-based computer vision syndrome (CVS) and its determinants and to suggest preventive measures. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2021 at a university in Central Saudi Arabia. The presence and severity of symptoms related to CVS were investigated. The total CVS symptom score was the outcome variable. The CVS score was correlated to participants' demographics, visual habits when using digital devices, and knowledge about CVS. Due to skewed distribution, a nonparametric method was used for analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 521 students were surveyed. The prevalence of CVS based on at least one symptom was 96% (95% confidence interval 94.3–97.7). The median score was 8.0 (interquartile range 4.0–12.0). Of the 24 possible CVS scores, 42 students (8%) had scores of 18 or more (severe CVS). Being female (Mann–Whitney [MW] P < 0.001), being older (Spearman P < 0.001), refractive error (MW P < 0.001), the presence of dry eye (MW P < 0.001), using devices other than a desktop computer (KruskalWallis) P = 0.03), and more than 6 h constantly working with a device (MW P = 0.001) were correlated with a higher CVS score. Older age, female, refractive error, and using digital devices for more than 6 h were the independent and significant predictors of CVS in college students. CONCLUSION: Most of the students suffered from mild-to-moderate CVS symptoms. Health promotion for prevention and periodic ophthalmic consultations are recommended. Identified predictors should be the focus when implementing strategies to combat CVS in the adolescent Saudi population.

We report a 39-year-old with Alport's syndrome. The patient presented with anterior lenticonus, cataract, and a corrected distance visual acuity of 20/25 and 20/60 in the right and left eyes, respectively. Fundus examination revealed generalized retinal flecks sparing the fovea in both eyes. Optical coherence topography showed temporal macular thinning. Normal fundus autofluorescence was observed in both eyes. Full-field electroretinography (ERG) demonstrated normal photopic and scotopic responses, while multifocal ERG showed no reduction of amplitudes generated from the temporal thinned macula, compared to the nasal macula, indicating preserved functional integrity of the retina.

We present two cases of a novel missense variant mutation in the DHX38 gene, which is associated with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in two Saudi sisters who presented with poor visual acuity since childhood. On initial examination, the best-corrected visual acuity was 20/300 in both eyes for the two sisters. Fundus examination revealed widespread retinal pigmentary changes, linear peripheral hyperpigmentation clumps, bone spicules, and bilateral optic nerve drusen with bilateral macular hyperpigmentation. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography scans reveal losses of the outer retinal layer and the presence of subretinal fibrosis and thinning of the choroid. Molecular sequencing analysis of the DHX38 exome identified a novel missense mutation of the homozygous variant c. 2571 (p. Ala857=), which co-segregates with the autosomal recessive RP gene that encodes the premRNA splicing factor, PRP16. The aim of this report is to describe the clinical feature associated with this variant and to provide additional evidence that DHX38 is involved in RP. To the best of our knowledge, this variant has not been described in the literature.

Lateral rectus palsy presenting as abduction deficit resulting in diplopia is attributed to neurogenic causes. Metastasis as a cause of sixth cranial palsy is an extremely rare entity but cannot be overlooked. Cases of metastasis to lateral rectus secondary to lung and breast carcinoma have been reported. Primary adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) metastasizing to lateral rectus muscle is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of ACC arising from the left adrenal gland that presented with left-sided abduction deficit in a 58-year-old male with vasculopathic risk factors. The case highlights the importance of neuroimaging in cases of isolated nontraumatic sixth nerve palsy or in cases with isolated ocular symptoms with associated systemic findings. The fact that all cases of muscle palsies may not be neurogenic and rare causes such as metastatic muscle involvement must be included as a differential diagnosis in suspected cases has been emphasized.

We present an interesting case of failed Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) graft, due to accidental implantation of a full-thickness precut tissue. A repeat DSEK was planned, and during the surgery along with the DSEK graft, an extra thick corneal tissue was also retrieved. Careful evaluation of both the explanted tissues revealed that the primary surgeon failed to separate a precut DSEK graft and implanted the entire full-thickness tissue. After the repeat DSEK, there was improvement in corneal edema and visual acuity.