Ophthalmology Commons^™

Weight Loss Remains A Challenge For Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Patients: A Retrospective Case Series From Kenya, Zian Muikamba, Jaskirat Sokhi, Jasmit Shah, Sheila Marco, Juzar Hooker, Dilraj Sokhi

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a neurological condition characterized by elevated intracranial CSF pressure without demonstratable evident causes. The mechanisms leading to a particular predilection for women of childbearing age who are overweight and obese or who have recent rapid weight changes remain imprecisely described. If undiagnosed, it can progress to disabling irreversible visual loss. Weight loss is useful in addition to medical therapy in treating the condition. There is a rise of obesity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) but there is little published on IIH.

Methods We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study at our tertiary regional referral neurology centre …

Ocular Gene Transfer In The Spotlight: Implications Of Newspaper Content For Clinical Communications, Shelly Benjaminy, Tania M. Bubela

Office of the Provost

Background: Ocular gene transfer clinical trials are raising hopes for blindness treatments and attracting media attention. News media provide an accessible health information source for patients and the public, but are often criticized for overemphasizing benefits and underplaying risks of novel biomedical interventions. Overly optimistic portrayals of unproven interventions may influence public and patient expectations; the latter may cause patients to downplay risks and over-emphasize benefits, with implications for informed consent for clinical trials. We analyze the news media communications landscape about ocular gene transfer and make recommendations for improving communications between clinicians and potential trial participants in light of …

Effect Of Suprachoroidal Triamcinolone On Intraocular Pressure: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Altamash Shahriyar Ghazanfar, Aly Hamza Khowaja, Haroon Tayyab

Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

Background: Triamcinolone acetonide is a synthetic corticosteroid with multiple ocular uses. Like other corticosteroids, it too is associated with ocular side effects such as increased intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma and cataracts. Suprachoroidal administration of triamcinolone is hoped to reduce the ocular side effects of the drug, especially rises in IOP. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aims to study this phenomenon.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of suprachoroidal triamcinolone injections on IOP.
Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Methods: We utilized the Medline, Scopus and Cochrane databases for this review. Studies published till June 2023, which …

Accuracy Of Swept Source Biometry Device In Detecting Macular Diseases Compared With Swept Source Oct, Sidra Zafar, Taha Muneer Ahmed, Rashid Baig, Irfan Jeeva, Rehman Siddiqui

Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

Objective: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of the IOLMaster 700 foveal scans to detect foveal pathology compared with a standard swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) device.
Results: One hundred seventy eye scans of 95 patients were included in the final analyses. Ninety-nine (58.2%) scans were classified as abnormal by SS-OCT. Mean sensitivity of the biometry device was 67.5% (range: 51-84%) and mean specificity was 69.5% (range: 44-95%). Intra-class correlation coefficients were 0.912 and 0.835, for reader 1 and 2, respectively. Area under the curve for receiver operating curve was 0.726. Foveal scans of the IOLMaster 700 can provide clinically useful …

C-Case 2023: Promoting Excellence In Surgical Education: Canadian Conference For The Advancement Of Surgical Education, Oct. 12-13, 2023, Montréal, Quebec, Jeffrey Sioufi, Brandon Hall, Ryan Antel, Sarah Moussa, Mathushan Subasri, Mustafa Fakih, Nehal Islam, Reggie C. Hamdy, Sonaina Chopra, Karim Damji

Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

No abstract provided.

Smartphone-Based Fundus Imaging For Evaluation Of Retinopathy Of Prematurity In A Low-Income Country: A Pilot Study, Roha Ahmad Choudhary, Shiraz Hashmi, Haroon Tayyab

Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of a novel and simple smart phone-based Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) screening approach in a resource-constrained setting.
Methods: This cross-sectional validation study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of The Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan, from January 2022 to April 2022. A total of 63 images of eyes with active ROP (stage-1, 2, 3, 4 and/or plus or pre-plus disease) were included in this study. The stage of ROP was documented by the principal investigator using an indirect ophthalmoscope and retinal images were obtained using this novel technique. …

A Qualitative Description Of Barriers To Visual Rehabilitation Experienced By Stroke Survivors With Visual Impairment In Alberta, Canada, Kiran Pohar Manhas, Katelyn Brehon, Jennis Jiang, Karim F. Damji, Fiona Costello

Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

Background: Post-stroke visual impairment (VI) is a common but under-recognized care challenge. Common manifestations of post-stroke VI include: diplopia, homonymous hemianopia, oscillopsia secondary to nystagmus, and visual inattention or neglect. In acute care settings, post-stroke VI recognition and treatment are often sub-optimal as emphasis is placed on survival. Stroke survivors with VI often face inconsistencies when accessing care out of hospital because variable availability and subsidization of visual rehabilitation. We sought to identify gaps in care experienced by stroke survivors with VI from stroke survivors' and care providers' perspectives.
Methods: We conducted a qualitative description study across 12 care sites …

Safety Of Simultaneous Bilateral Intravitreal Versus Unilateral Anti-Vasculo-Endothelial Growth Factors Injection In An Operating Room Setting, Irfan Kabiruddin Jeeva, Sidra Masud, Rehman Siddiqui, Hadees Murad Fahad

Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

Objectives: Chorioretinal diseases requiring the use of anti-vascular endothelial growth (anti-VEGF) injections often occur in both eyes simultaneously. This can necessitate injecting both eyes together rather than one eye at a time. The purpose of the study was to determine whether simultaneous bilateral intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents are safe when administered in an operation theatre setting.
Methods: Retrospective review of data was conducted. Single center study conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi Pakistan. Approximately 30,000 eyes that received anti-VEGF injection during a 10-year study period were included (March 2008-February 2018). Patients who were lost to follow up …

Barriers To Care For Poststroke Visual Deficits In Alberta, Canada, Kiran Pohar Manhas, Karim F. Damji, Katelyn Brehon, Jennis Jiang, Peter Faris, Fiona Costello

Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

Poststroke visual impairment (VI) negatively affects rehabilitation potential and quality of life for stroke survivors. In this cross-sectional observational study, stroke survivors and providers were surveyed to quantify perspectives regarding care for poststroke VI in Alberta, Canada (n = 46 survivors; n = 87 providers). Few patients (35%) felt prepared to cope with VI at the time of discharge from acute stroke and inpatient rehabilitation settings. Less than 25% of stroke survivors, and <16% of providers, felt referral processes were adequate. 95.2% of providers and 82% of stroke survivors advocated for a provincial clinical pathway to improve care quality for poststroke VI.

Surgical Training In Ophthalmology: Role Of Eyesi In The Era Of Simulation-Based Learning, Sehrish Nizar Ali Momin, Abdul Sami Memon, Muhammad Bilal Malik, Pir Salim Meher

Section of Ophthalmology

Recent advancements in surgical training methods have escalated the need for simulators. The EyeSi simulation has played a major role in Ophthalmology training by providing opportunity to the novice residents to grasp the surgical steps of the procedure and master the skill by repeated attempts. Participants were assessed on single level of cataract module and their consecutive scores were assessed with each attempt. It was found that repetitive practice on simulator can help develop proficiency in the desired steps that can ultimately prepare the surgical trainees for real life surgery.

Role Of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography To Differentiate Intraretinal Microvascular Abnormalities And Retinal Neovascularization In Diabetic Retinopathy, Abdul Sami Memon, Nasir A. Memon, Pir Salim Mahar

Department of Surgery Docs

Objective: To assess proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and to describe the difference in angiographic representation of new vessels (NVs) and Intra retinal microvascular abnormalities (IRMA) on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was performed at ISRA Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Karachi, from March 2018 to September 2018. Forty-two eyes of 21 patients with history of diabetes mellitus (DM) were examined. Twenty-eight eyes with a clinical diagnosis of severe non proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) according to early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) were included and evaluated using Swept source optical coherence tomography …

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Indices In Predicting Functional Outcome Of Macular Hole Surgery: A Retrospective Chart Review, Haroon Tayyab, Rehman Siddiqui, Sana Jahangir, Shiraz Hashmi

Section of Ophthalmology

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the utility of novel macular hole indices of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and predicting the functional outcome of surgery.
Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of 28 eyes who underwent surgery for idiopathic Full Thickness Macular Hole (FTMH) at The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi from January 2016 to March 2020. Data of preoperative OCTs were recovered from data server of OCT machine. Measurements of the pre-operative OCTs were calculated using caliper function of OCT software by two independent technicians. Parameters included Macular Hole Index (MHI), Traction Hole Index …

Spontaneous Closure Of Full Thickness Macular Hole In The Presence Of An Epiretinal Membrane In A Vitrectomised Eye: A Case Report, Rehman Siddiqui, Muhammad Umar Fawad, Nida Ahsan

Section of Ophthalmology

We report the case of a spontaneous closure of full thickness macular hole (FTMH) in the presence of an epiretinal membrane (ERM) in a previously vitrectomised eye. The patient had undergone vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and developed an ERM two weeks after the surgery, which converted into a FTMH after one week. Eight months after the vitrectomy, spontaneous closure of FTMH was observed with an improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from 20/200 to 20/40. The patient was followed up for four years, and the FTMH remained closed. Spontaneous closure of FTMH is possible even in the presence of …

Use Of Intravitreal Methotrexate Infusion In Complicated Retinal Detachment For Prevention Of Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy In A Pilot Study, Sana Jahangir, Tehmina Jahangir, Muhammad H. Ali, Qasim Lateef, Uzma Hamza, Haroon Tayyab

Section of Ophthalmology

Objective: The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of per-operative intravitreal methotrexate (MTX) infusion during vitrectomy in patients of retinal detachment (RD) with advanced grade proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).
Methods: In this prospective interventional case series, we included patients with Grade C PVR, recurrent RD, and open globe trauma. All patients underwent standard single surgeon operated 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with 80mg of MTX in 1000mL of irrigation fluid. All patients were followed up after four months to assess the final status of retinal attachment and visual acuity. Ethical review board permission was sought …

In Vitro Comparison Of Various High-Speed Vitrectomy Machines Using Dual Blade Cutters, Haroon Tayyab, Saima Jamil, Shiraz Hashmi

Section of Ophthalmology

Objectives: The objective of this study is to compare various dual blade vitrectomy cutters for their efficiency in an in vitro setting.
Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, we compared various vitrectomy systems including EVA (Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center, Zuidland, The Netherlands), REVOLUTION (Optikon 2000, Inc., Rome, Italy), and OS4 (Oertli Instrumente AG, Berneck, Switzerland) in terms of efficiency in vitreous cutting and aspiration for various vitreous substitutes. These substitutes included water, chicken egg albumin, and goat vitreous. We only used 23-gauge dual blade cutters across all platforms to maintain uniformity. The cutting and aspiration efficiency was measured across …

Role Of Interferon Gamma Release Assay In The Diagnosis And Management Of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis-Associated Uveitis: A Review, Samra Rahman, Muhammad Irfan, Rehman Siddiqui

Section of Pulmonary & Critical Care

Tuberculosis (TB)-associated uveitis is a common cause of infectious uveitis in the developing world. Diagnosis of TB uveitis remains a challenge. The role of interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) is uncertain. Herein we summarise the available literature on the utility of IGRAs in the diagnosis and management of TB uveitis. We searched PubMed database from 1 August 2010 to 31 July 2020 using the following keywords alone and in combination: 'interferon-gamma release assay', 'QuantiFERON', 'T-SPOT.TB', 'TB uveitis', 'serpiginous like choroiditis', 'tuberculoma', 'TB vasculitis', 'TB panuveitis' and 'ocular tuberculosis'. Data from 58 relevant studies were collated. The review is focused on …

The Role Of Simulators In Improving Vitreoretinal Surgery Training - A Systematic Review, Taha Muneer Ahmed, Rehman Siddiqui

Medical College Documents

Objective: To conduct an appraisal of current evidence regarding the effectiveness of EyeSi®-based training of vitreoretinal surgery.
Methods: The systematic review was conducted in July 2020, and comprised literature search on Cochrane Library, PubMed and Embase for articles regarding simulation training in vitreoretinal surgery. The shortlisted articles were subjected to qualitative analysis. Existing evidence was assessed, and predictions on how outcomes may be applied to improve vitreoretinal surgery training were made. The risk of bias of each study was calculated in line with the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook.
Results: Of the 124 articles identified, 7(5.6%) were shortlisted; 5(71.4%) established …

Can Simulators Be Applied To Improve Cataract Surgery Training: A Systematic Review, Taha Muneer Ahmed, Badrul Hussain, Rehman Siddiqui

Medical College Documents

Objective: The purpose of this paper was to conduct a systematic review of existing literature on simulation-based training of cataract surgery. Available literature was evaluated and projections on how current findings could be applied to cataract surgery training were summarised. The quality of included literature was also assessed.
Methods and analysis: The PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles pertaining to simulation training in cataract surgery on 18 November 2019. Selected articles were qualitatively analysed.
Results: A total of 165 articles were identified out of which 10 met inclusion criteria. Four studies reported construct validity of the …

Distribution And Correlation Of Ocular Surface Disease Index Scores In A Non-Clinical Population: The Karachi Ocular Surface Disease Study, Nauman Hashmani, Faizan Ghulam Mustafa, Muhammad Ali Tariq, Syed Farjad Ali, Fakiha Bukhari, Abdul Sami Memon, Sharif Hashmani

Section of Ophthalmology

Introduction: There is increasing recognition of dry eye disease (DED) as a significant factor influencing quality of life in seemingly normal individuals. Our goal was to determine the distribution of Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores in non-clinical individuals in Karachi, Pakistan.
Methods: We distributed OSDI questionnaires to subjects aged > 18 years with no active ocular complaint. Examiners were selected from various areas of the city to administer questionnaires to students and the general population. The OSDI score was grouped as per the following: normal (0-12 points), mild (13-22 points), moderate (23-32 points), and severe (33-100 points).
Results: We surveyed …

Acute Syphilitic Posterior Placoid Chorioretinopathy: A Case Report, Rehman Siddiqui, Syed Zohaib Maroof Hussain, Irfan Jeeva, Raeefuddin Ahmed

Section of Ophthalmology

A 25-year-old male presented with a complaint of acute visual loss in his right eye for two days. There was a history of visual loss in the left eye six months ago. Comprehensive eye examination showed evidence of posterior uveitis, and a placoid lesion on the right fundus. Further physical examination showed maculopapular rashes on the upper back which was highly suggestive of syphilis. Blood tests for venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test and fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test were ordered, which were both positive. Ocular syphilis should be suspected in all cases of uveitis. Early diagnosis and prompt …

Otosclerosis: Experience With Stapes Surgery, Muhammad Shaheryar Ahmed Rajput, Asif Ali Arain, Arsalan A. Rajput, Mohammad Adeel, Anwar Suhail, Mohammad Sohail Awan

Section of Ophthalmology

Introduction: Otosclerosis is a disorder in which the footplate of the stapes is replaced by an abnormal bone, thereby affecting sound transmission to the inner ear at the level of the oval window. The solution to this condition is to reestablish this mechanism back to normal via the ossicular chain to the inner ear. The aim of stapes surgery is to improve the hearing level to thresholds appropriate enough to obviate the need for hearing aid. The hearing improvement achieved after surgery often lasts for many years. The purpose of the current study was to review our experience and find …

Organ Preservation For Advanced Laryngeal Cancer: Experience With Concurrent Chemoradiation Therapy, Asif Ali Arain, Muhammad Shaheryar Ahmed Rajput, Shabbir Akhtar, Arsalan A. Rajput, Mohammad Adeel, Ahmad Hatem, Ahmed Nadeem Abbasi

Section of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery

Introduction: The larynx is a part of the upper respiratory tract that performs many essential functions including breathing, speaking, and swallowing. For this reason, the quality of life is significantly affected by laryngeal cancer and its treatment. Therefore, the focus of management for the last few decades has been on preserving the function of a larynx without compromising survival. This study was done with the purpose of reviewing our experience of organ preservation approach with concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) for locally advanced cancers of larynx.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was carried out for the data of pathology reports and …

Effect Of Montelukast On The Symptom Severity Score Of Allergic Rhinitis, Muhammad Shaheryar Ahmed Rajput, Asif Ali Arain, Arsalan A. Rajput, Mohammad Adeel, Shehzad Ghaffar, Anwar Suhail

Section of Ophthalmology

Introduction: Rhinitis is a common respiratory disorder that can be broadly defined as an inflammation of nasal mucosa. Allergic rhinitis is the most common form of chronic rhinitis characterized by one or more symptoms including sneezing, nasal itching, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and rhinorrhea. Montelukast is an antagonist to the leukotriene receptor. It is non-sedating, dosed once daily, and has a safety profile similar in adults and children, with approval down to six months of age. The purpose of the study was to see the improvement in the severity of symptoms of the patients with allergic rhinitis treated with montelukast. …

Application Of Protection Motivation Theory To Clinical Trial Enrolment For Pediatric Chronic Conditions, Stephanie P. Brooks, Tania M. Bubela

Office of the Provost

Background: Parents of children living with chronic but manageable conditions hope for improved therapies or cures, including Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs). Multiple pediatric clinical trials for ATMPs are underway, but the risk profile of ATMPs for chronic conditions is largely unknown and likely different than for terminal pediatric illnesses. Applying Protection Motivation Theory modified to the context of pediatric ATMP clinical trial enrollment, our study analyses information needs of parents of children living with chronic manageable conditions: Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) or Inherited Retinal Diseases (IRD).
Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 parents of children living with T1D …

An Audit Of 3-Snip Procedures Performed At The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, Rashid Baig, Benish Aslam, Khabir Ahmad

Section of Ophthalmology

Objective: To assess the functional outcome of three-snip punctoplasty procedure for punctal stenosis at a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: The retrospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, and comprised medical records of all patients aged >18 years who underwent three-snip punctoplasty between January 2013 and December 2017. Data was retrieved on age, gender, diagnosis, signs and symptoms, laterality, date of procedure, resolution of symptoms post procedure, date of last eye followup, symptoms at last follow-up, functional outcome (epiphora at 1 month). SPSS 20 was used for data analysis.
Results: Of the 30 patients, 22(73.3%) were females. …

Iris Metastasis As The Initial Presentation Of Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Carcinoma: A Case Report, M A Rehman Siddiqui, Syed Zohaib Maroof Hussain, Muhammed Mubarak

Section of Ophthalmology

Background: We report a case of a patient with iris metastasis as the initial manifestation of a systemic cancer: upper gastrointestinal tract carcinoma.
Case presentation: A 24-year-old Asian man presented to our hospital with complaints of red left eye, decreased visual acuity, pain, and photophobia for about 3 weeks with no prior history of cancer or any other medical abnormality. Ocular examination showed a pinkish white lesion on the superonasal part of the iris. The patient's intraocular pressure was progressively increasing despite medications, followed by lymphadenopathy 4 weeks later. Comprehensive examination was performed along with a complete systemic workup, which …

Microbial Profile And Antibiotic Susceptibility Trend In Postoperative Endophthalmitis: A 12-Year Review, Rashid Baig, Pushpa Bhawan Mal, Khabir Ahmed, Salman Naveed Sadiq, Sidra Zafar, Ghazala Jabeen, Saajan Kukreja

Section of Ophthalmology

Objective: To identify the microbial profile and susceptibility pattern of pathogens responsible for culture-proven postoperative endophthalmitis, and to investigate possible trends in both pathogens and antibiotic sensitivities.
Methods: The retrospective study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised record of ophthalmology patients from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2016. Culture and sensitivity reports of vitreous and aqueous humor samples from all the patients were retrieved from the medical record section of the hospital. SPSS 19 was used for data analysis.
Results: Of the samples of 202 patients with a mean age of 58.2±15.8 years, 106(52.5%) were …

Incidence Of Intraocular Lens Exchange After Cataract Surgery, Maram E. A. Abdalla Elsayed, Khabir Ahmad, Abdulelah A. Al-Abdullah, Rizwan Malik, Rajiv Khandekar, Hernan Martinez-Osorio, Marco Mura, Patrik Schatz

Department of Surgery Docs

Intraocular lens (IOL) exchange after cataract surgery is unusual but may be associated with suboptimal visual outcome. The incidence of IOL exchange has not been consistently estimated. Such information is invaluable when counseling patients prior to cataract surgery. We examined the incidence of, and indications and risk factors for, IOL exchange after cataract surgery. We also assessed visual outcome of eyes that had an IOL exchange. A cohort design was used to estimate the incidence of IOL exchange and a case-control design to identify factors associated with it. All phacoemulsification surgeries with IOL (n = 17415 eyes) during 2010-2017 and …

Children With Strabismus: Is There Psychological Impact On Mothers?, Syed Usman Bin Mehmood, Sidra Zafar, Azhar Hussain, Zafar Iqbal

Section of Ophthalmology

No abstract provided.

A Novel Mutation In The Choroideremia Gene In A Turkish Family., Mustafa Iftikhar, Yulia Wolfson, Simrat Sodhi, Bushra Usmani, Hendrik P. N. Scholl, Syed M.A. Shah

Medical College Documents

Choroideremia is an X-linked recessive genetic disorder caused by mutations in the CHM gene. It is a rare retinal dystrophy that manifests as nyctalopia and vision loss, progressing to blindness in later stages. We report a 21-year Turkish man who presented with nyctalopia for the past 4-5 years. His mother and maternal grandmother had similar, but less pronounced complaints. Fundus examination revealed pigmentary changes and retinal atrophy in both eyes. Optical coherence tomography showed outer retinal loss, with central island of preserved autofluorescence surrounded by absent autofluorescence on fundus autofluorescence examination. Goldmann visual fields were constricted. Microperimetry detected retinal sensitivity …