Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology最新文献

{"title":"Evaluation of Corneal Sensitivity and Quadrature Variability in Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy.","authors":"Pelin Kiyat, Timur Kose, Banu Gümüstas, Ozlem Barut Selver","doi":"10.4103/meajo.meajo_111_23","DOIUrl":"10.4103/meajo.meajo_111_23","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of the study was to evaluate the corneal sensitivity and its quadrature variability in patients with diabetic neuropathy (DN) diagnosed with electromyography and to compare these results with age- and sex-matched healthy individuals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The left eyes of 32 patients who applied for refraction or fundus examination and had a diagnosis of DN by electromyography in their medical history were included in this study. Corneal sensitivity was evaluated using the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer (Luneau, Paris) in five zones: central, nasal, superior, temporal, and inferior. The measurements of the patients were compared with the measurements of 32 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Furthermore, the measurements of five corneal zones were compared with each other, and the level of correlation was investigated in each group.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The central corneal sensitivity values were measured as 4.12 ± 1.04 (mm) and 5.92 ± 0.14 (mm) (<i>P</i> < 0.001). While the sensitivity values at the superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal quadrants were detected as 5.85 ± 0.21, 5.85 ± 0.26, 5.94 ± 0.13, 5.93 ± 0.13, and 5.92 ± 0.14 (mm) in the control group, it was measured as 3.67 ± 0.66, 3.67 ± 0.62, 3.67 ± 0.62, and 3.89 ± 0.73 (mm) in the DN group, respectively. The corneal sensitivity values were all found to be significantly lower in the DN group (<i>P</i> < 0.001 for all parameters) at all quadrants as well as the central cornea. Furthermore, a moderate positive correlation between all five zones in the control group and a very strong positive correlation in the DN group were found in terms of the corneal quadrature sensitivity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The current study revealed a significant reduction in corneal sensitivity in patients with DN. In both the control group and DN group, all corneal zones showed positive correlations which show the consistency of the measurement in different quadratures. Evaluating corneal sensitivity with a Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer might serve as a useful screening tool in detecting neuropathy development. By taking the necessary precautions, further damage can be prevented.</p>","PeriodicalId":18740,"journal":{"name":"Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology","volume":"29 4","pages":"200-204"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10754107/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139074564","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Use of Systemic Mycophenolate Mofetil Therapy in Ocular Surface Inflammatory Pathologies at the Initiative and Responsibility of the Ophthalmologist.","authors":"Onur Furundaoturan, Pelin Akçay, Ozlem B Selver","doi":"10.4103/meajo.meajo_109_23","DOIUrl":"10.4103/meajo.meajo_109_23","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of systemic mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) treatment in ocular surface inflammatory diseases.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>For this retrospective study, patients who were treated with systemic MMF for ocular surface inflammatory diseases between March 2020 and March 2022 were evaluated. Apart from demographic data, examination notes including MMF treatment indication and systemic side effect interrogation and routine laboratory examinations during drug treatment were extracted from the patient records. Detailed staging scores were performed according to the diagnosis including Foster and Mondino for ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) and limbal stem cell deficiency scoring for limbal transplantation. For thorough evaluation, anterior segment pictures were used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fourteen patients were enrolled to the study, with a mean age of 58 ± 12. MMP (6, 42.8%) and limbal allograft transplantation (6, 42.8%) constituted the main indications for the MMF treatment, followed by keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness (KID) syndrome (1, 7.2%) and Mooren's ulcer (1, 7.2%). Five of six patients with MMP regressed according to both staging systems. Only one remained stable which was evaluated as Stage 3. Furthermore, while all limbal transplant groups (6) stabilized and showed regression according to the individualized limbal stem cell deficiency staging system with no rejection during follow-up. Furthermore, patients with Mooren's ulcer and KID syndrome showed control of the inflammation and stabilization after MMF treatment. No significant systemic side effects apart from constipation and nausea (3) were observed in patients whose routine laboratory tests were stable throughout the follow-up.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>MMF has the potential to be a valuable and safe systemic agent of first choice in the control of ocular surface inflammatory disorders, especially when topical treatment is not effective. With such studies, it is predicted that MMF may reach wider usage areas with the increase in its effectiveness and safety in its use for ocular surface inflammatory pathologies.</p>","PeriodicalId":18740,"journal":{"name":"Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology","volume":"29 4","pages":"209-215"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10754105/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139074582","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Survey on Patients' Opinions of Alternative Drug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Glaucoma in South-South Nigeria.","authors":"Chigozie I Echieh, Karl Mercieca, Ugochukwu A Eze, Constance Weber, Adedeji Akinyemi, Affiong A Ibanga, Chidiebere P Echieh","doi":"10.4103/meajo.meajo_120_23","DOIUrl":"10.4103/meajo.meajo_120_23","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Despite the human ocular surface being easily accessible, ocular drug delivery can be challenging. When applied improperly, topical medications, the most popular first-line treatment used to treat glaucoma, can have a very brief contact time with the ocular surface and may not have the desired therapeutic impact. Drug delivery devices are gadgets that can address some of these problems. This study aims to determine patients' opinions on ocular drug delivery devices used in the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used in a cross-sectional study of 115 POAG patients recruited from outpatient clinics in two Nigerian tertiary health institutions. Participants were asked about their understanding and acceptance of five Ocular drug delivery systems (ODD), namely drug-emitting contact lenses (CL), punctual plugs, subconjunctival injections, intracameral implants, and trabecular meshwork micro-stents, for the treatment of POAG.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sixty (52.2%) participants, whose average age was 50 ± 9.8 years, were men. Self-pay was used for eye health treatments by 65% of participants. Of the participants, 68.7% admitted to using eye drops on their own. 57% of people were said to take their glaucoma medications consistently. CL and subconjunctival implants were seen to be most acceptable according to 39% and 30% of participants, respectively. Major factors determining the acceptability of ODD for POAG treatment were observed to be cost and effectiveness.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Patients in our cohort who are being treated for POAG have a fairly positive attitude towards ODD. The prospective use of these devices for POAG treatment in Nigeria will depend on their efficacy and cost, as well as how ophthalmologists will weigh ODD options.</p>","PeriodicalId":18740,"journal":{"name":"Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology","volume":"29 4","pages":"220-225"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10754114/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139074560","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Expanding Understanding of Thyroid Eye Disease Manifestations to Include Hispanic and Black Patients.","authors":"Tova Goldstein, Marilyn Mostowy, Jennifer Tingley, Gabriel Rand, Jee-Young Moon, Anne Barmettler","doi":"10.4103/meajo.meajo_87_23","DOIUrl":"10.4103/meajo.meajo_87_23","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Knowledge of thyroid eye disease (TED) is based on predominantly Caucasian populations. To date, no studies in the United States examine the presentation in Black and Hispanic patients. The purpose of this study is to introduce the presentation of TED in two previously undescribed populations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a retrospective, cross-sectional, chart review study of patients with TED at a tertiary center using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist. The main outcome measure for severity was the European Group on Graves' Orbitopathy 2016 Severity Scale.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 2905 charts reviewed, 99 met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 51 (standard deviation 16) years with 78% women. Race was 49.4% Black, 39.1% Hispanic, 9.2% Caucasian, and 2.3% Asian. Smoking rates were 25% current smokers and 14% former smokers. Manifestations were proptosis (94% Hispanic and 91% Black), eyelid retraction (85% Hispanic and 79% Black), extraocular muscle (EOM) restriction (79% Hispanic and 63% Black), eyelid edema (41% Hispanic and 30% Black), chemosis (24% Hispanic and 14% Black), and optic neuropathy (18% Hispanic and 9% Black). Overall, disease severity was 22% mild, 65% moderate to severe, and 13% sight-threatening. Older patients had increased rates of optic neuropathy (<i>P</i> = 0.04). Younger patients had increased rates of proptosis (<i>P</i> = 0.02). Socioeconomic status was not associated with disease severity (<i>P</i> = 0.67).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Hispanic and Black patients with TED presented with higher than previously established rates of proptosis, EOM restriction, and optic neuropathy. Including research of different races broadens understanding of presentation and management, improving patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":18740,"journal":{"name":"Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology","volume":"29 4","pages":"171-180"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10754111/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139074565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Online Faculty Development on Curriculum Design in Simulation-based Education by International Collaboration - An Example from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.","authors":"Helena P Filipe, Karl Golnik, Amelia C Geary, Janvier Kilangalanga, Heather G Mack","doi":"10.4103/meajo.meajo_40_23","DOIUrl":"10.4103/meajo.meajo_40_23","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Faculty development for procedural specialists is intended to improve clinical education and surgical/procedural skills. Despite challenging in under-resourced settings, this may be enhanced by developing international collaboration agreements and supported by online learning experiences. The Congolese Society of Ophthalmology and the International Council of Ophthalmology agreed to collaborate on implementing an online educational program to form a community of practice (CoP) of ophthalmologists educators and enhance competence in curriculum design and simulation-based education (SBE) on cataract surgery.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Ten Congolese ophthalmologists, faculty for the \"Centre de Formation Ophthalmologique pour l'Afrique Centrale\" (CFOACF), participated in a group-mentored 12-webinar modular program on curriculum design, in 2019. Considering the geo-social-cultural learning environment, we developed a curriculum framework incorporating social constructivism and experiential learning principles to facilitate the implementation of learning. Educational strategies included flipped, practice-based and social learning, group mentoring, and individual and collective reflection opportunities. A CoP was virtually nurtured using WhatsApp. Program evaluation relied on (a) feedback survey per module and 3 months upon conclusion, (b) individual declarative knowledge assessment, and (c) group assignment to test competence improvement.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The CFOACF formed a virtual CoP, commented on an enjoyable opportunity to develop scholar teaching competence, expressed intention in systematically building educational curricula design that includes active learning strategies and effective feedback and showed individual learning and team-competence improvement.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This first iteration of our online faculty development program nurtured the formation of a CoP of ophthalmologists' educators and enabled to practice a scholar teaching approach, especially applied to SBE.</p>","PeriodicalId":18740,"journal":{"name":"Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology","volume":"29 4","pages":"226-231"},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2023-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10754109/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139074568","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Coronavirus disease 2019-induced acute exudative polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy","authors":"Mohamed Osman, Omar Mehana, Mahmoud Eissa, Sara Zeineldin, Akatya Sinha","doi":"10.4103/meajo.meajo_61_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/meajo.meajo_61_23","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Acute exudative polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy (AEPVM) is a rare entity characterized by acute multifocal macular detachment with polymorphous subretinal vitelliform deposits. The disease is a presumed retinal pigment epithelial dysfunction and is reported to occur with malignancies. We report a case of a 32-year-old otherwise healthy woman who presented with an acute bilateral visual disturbance a few days after testing positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Her initial visual acuity was 6/6 in both eyes. Fundus examination revealed bilateral multifocal round yellowish subretinal deposits. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography showed bilateral foveal serous retinal detachment with subretinal hyperreflective materials consistent with vitelliform deposits. Systemic workup to exclude malignancies and genetic diseases was unremarkable. The patient was observed without treatment, and the vitelliform materials gradually resolved over 18 months of follow-up. In our era of the global pandemic, AEPVM may be associated with COVID-19 infection.","PeriodicalId":18740,"journal":{"name":"Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology","volume":"232 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135132659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of Keratoconus and Keratoconus Suspect among Patients Seeking Refractive Surgery in Syria.","authors":"Abdelrahman Salman, Taym Darwish, Abdul Aziz Badla, Mohammad Askar, Moussa Al-Rufayie, Marwan Ghabra, Yusra Haddeh, Obeda Kailani, Rafea Shaaban, Samer Hajjo, Hiba Hasan, Ali Ali","doi":"10.4103/meajo.meajo_50_23","DOIUrl":"10.4103/meajo.meajo_50_23","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of keratoconus (KC) and keratoconus suspect (KCS) among patients seeking refractive surgery in Syria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a retrospective multicenter screening study. The study was conducted in Damascus University, Tishreen University, and Tartous Specialist Eye Center (a private center). Data were collected from refractive surgery candidates referred for preoperative evaluation before laser <i>in situ</i> keratomileusis, photorefractive keratectomy, intrastromal corneal rings, and phakic intraocular lens implantation. Corneal parameters were obtained by Scheimpflug-Placido tomography, Sirius (CSO, Italy).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 1479 patients were included in this analysis. The prevalence rates of KC and KCS were 18.19% (269/1479) and 13.52% (200/1479), respectively. In addition, patients with KC were found to have higher percentages of eye rubbing and astigmatism than suspect and normal (<i>P</i> < 0.0001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>High prevalence rate of KC was found among patients seeking refractive surgery in Syria. Although this study was carried out on a highly selective population, it may reflect a high prevalence rate in a general population in Syria.</p>","PeriodicalId":18740,"journal":{"name":"Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology","volume":"1 1","pages":"181-185"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10754103/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47324228","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Quality of Life of Medically Versus Surgically Treated Primary Open-angle Glaucoma Patients at a Nigerian Hospital.","authors":"Femi C Oduneye, Kareem O Musa, Sefinat A Agboola, Oluwatobi O Idowu, Adeola O Onakoya","doi":"10.4103/meajo.meajo_146_22","DOIUrl":"10.4103/meajo.meajo_146_22","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of this study is to compare the quality of life (QoL) of medically treated versus surgically treated primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients attending Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was a hospital-based, comparative cross-sectional study. Consecutive consenting POAG participants who met the inclusion criteria were recruited until the sample size was achieved. QoL of all participants was assessed using the glaucoma QoL-15 and National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25) questionnaires. Analysis was done using the IBM statistical package for the social sciences version 25.0.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study involved 81 participants who were only on medical treatment for POAG and 81 age- and sex-matched POAG participants who had trabeculectomy surgery. Surgically treated participants had a lower mean intraocular pressure 11.68 mmHg when compared to the medically treated participants 14.82 mmHg. Medically treated participants however had a better overall mean glaucoma QoL using the glaucoma QoL-15 (medical 34.36 ± 10.4, surgical 39.11 ± 13.9 <i>P</i> = 0.015) and NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaires (medical 68.32 ± 15.0, surgical 62.44 ± 18.8 <i>P</i> = 0.029). Controlling for the severity of glaucoma using the glaucoma QoL-15 questionnaire, medically treated participants had a better QoL only among participants with severe POAG (medical 49.13 ± 5.9, surgical 54.06 ± 4.6 <i>P</i> = 0.003). While using the NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire, medically treated participants had a significantly better QoL only among participants with moderate (medical 74.70 ± 6.6, surgical 67.07 ± 15.6 <i>P</i> = 0.012) and severe POAG (medical 54.52 ± 6.3, surgical 45.51 ± 10.0 <i>P</i> = 0.004).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study demonstrated that although participants that had trabeculectomy had a lower mean intraocular pressure, their overall mean QoL was reduced compared to the medically treated participants.</p>","PeriodicalId":18740,"journal":{"name":"Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology","volume":"29 1","pages":"7-14"},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2022-11-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9846962/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10579512","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tubercular Episcleritis: A Review of Literature.","authors":"Tariq M Aldebasi, Abdulelah A Alasiri, Muhannad A Alnahdi, Abdulrahman Alfarhan","doi":"10.4103/meajo.meajo_315_21","DOIUrl":"10.4103/meajo.meajo_315_21","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Episcleritis is rarely reported to be associated with tuberculosis (TB). In this review, we highlight this underreported entity and elaborate on the natural history of the reported cases in the literature. Eighteen articles were found to describe numerous cases throughout the past century. Forty patients diagnosed with tuberculous episcleritis were found in the literature. The majority of the patients presented with a latent form of TB and fewer cases were linked with active/pulmonary disease. The natural history of episcleritis was found to have chronic and recurrent attacks refractory to traditional treatment, and the most commonly reported type was the nodular form. The described cases were eventually treated by quadruple antituberculous therapy, and fortunately, recurrence after treatment completion was not documented. It is imperative to highlight such entities that may be underreported in endemic countries, as successful therapy would decrease ocular morbidity and prevent potential unforeseen tuberculous complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":18740,"journal":{"name":"Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology","volume":"29 1","pages":"51-55"},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2022-11-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9846963/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10579517","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and Risk Factors of Parents Perceived Digital Eye Strain Syndrome among Saudi Students 1 Year after Online Studies: A Web-Based Survey.","authors":"Dora Hamad AlHarkan,&nbsp;Amal L Alazmi,&nbsp;Rawdah H Al-Mutairi","doi":"10.4103/meajo.meajo_71_22","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/meajo.meajo_71_22","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose is to present the prevalence and risk factors of parents' perceptions of digital eye strain (DES) syndrome 1 year after virtual learning among Saudi students.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This web-based survey was conducted in December 2021 in Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Sixteen symptoms of DES were inquired. Parents responded to the frequency and severity of DES symptoms in their wards. The DES score assessed by the parents/guardian was associated with different determinants.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The survey included 704 students. The prevalence of DES was 59.4% (95% confidence interval 55.0; 63.8). Severe (scoring 18+) and moderate (score 12-18) grades of DES were found in 24% and 14% of students, respectively. Headache (20.9%), deterioration of vision (14.5%), difficulty focusing (12.5%), watering/tearing of eyes (10.1%), and blurred vision (10.8%) were noted as main DES symptoms. Girls, intermediate school students, students with spectacles, those with more than 4 h daily screen time or who position devices 25 cm or less from their eyes, and those attending virtual class for more than 4 h a day were found to have significantly severe DES grades. Females (<i>P</i> = 0.16), having outdoor activities of 1+ h (<i>P</i> = 0.02), 2+ h of daily screen time (<i>P</i> = 0.24), and attending virtual class for 4+ h (<i>P</i> = 0.001) were significant predictors of moderate and severe DES. Poor eye health and lower scholastic status were associated with severe DES.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>DES in students after 1 year of virtual studying was high. Risk factors need to be addressed to avoid DES and its impact on students.</p>","PeriodicalId":18740,"journal":{"name":"Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology","volume":"29 3","pages":"132-140"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2022-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10319080/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9803416","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}