European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: Age-related cataracts are a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide, with multiple risk factors contributing to their development. Emerging evidence suggests a possible link between oxidative stress-related biomarkers, such as serum uric acid, and cataract formation. Elevated uric acid levels, often associated with systemic oxidative stress, may influence lens opacity, but this association remains underexplored. Objective: This observational study investigates the association between serum uric acid levels and age-related cataract formation, aiming to assess serum uric acid as a potential risk factor for cataracts. Methods: A sample of 100 participants (mean age: 65.3 ± 8.4 years; 45% male, 55% female) was recruited. Participants were grouped into four age categories (50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80+). Serum uric acid levels were measured, and cataract presence was documented. Correlation and logistic regression analyses assessed the association between serum uric acid levels, age, and cataract presence. Results: Cataract prevalence was 58%, increasing by age group: 32% (50-59 years), 60% (60-69 years), 72% (70-79 years), and 80% (80+ years). Participants with cataracts had higher mean serum uric acid levels (6.1 ± 1.3 mg/dL) compared to those without (5.4 ± 1.4 mg/dL, p < 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated a moderate positive association between serum uric acid and cataract formation (r = 0.42, p < 0.05). Logistic regression showed each 1 mg/dL increase in uric acid increased cataract risk by 1.2-fold (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1–1.5, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Elevated serum uric acid levels are significantly associated with age-related cataract formation, highlighting its potential role in cataract risk. Further studies are recommended to explore interventions targeting uric acid reduction

Background: Introduction: India's National Program for Control of Blindness, initiated in 1976, aimed to reduce blindness to 0.3% by 2020. However, approximately 4.9 million are blind and 32.9 million visually impaired, primarily due to untreated refractive errors and colour vision deficiency, significantly impacting children's education and quality of life. Regular vision screenings enable early intervention and educational adjustments tailored to affected students' needs. Objective: To determine the prevalence of visual impairment and colour blindness among primary school going children in the rural areas of Barpeta District. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,324 school children aged 11 to 15 in Barpeta. Five government schools with high enrollments were selected. Students were assessed for refractive errors and colour blindness, with referrals made for those needing ocular care. Parents and school authorities were informed, and a list of affected students was provided to the District Early Intervention Centre for follow-up actions. Results: Gender distribution was observed as 52% being boys and 48% girls. Most were identified as Hindu (85%), and 76.9% came from nuclear families. Socioeconomic analysis revealed 34.4% were from lower middle class. Alarmingly, 85.2% had never undergone an eye examination, with a 2.7% prevalence of colour blindness, more common in boys. Conclusion: The study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve eye health awareness and access to examinations for school children, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, impacting their academic performance and well-being.

Background: Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease (cGVHD) is a common complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), often involving ocular manifestations. Ocular Surface Disease (OSD) is prevalent among these patients, leading to significant discomfort and visual impairment. This study aims to assess the ocular surface parameters and diagnostic markers in patients with cGVHD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 120 patients diagnosed with cGVHD. Ocular evaluations included Schirmer's test, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Oxford Staining Score, and Meibomian Gland Assessment. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate correlations between cGVHD severity and ocular surface damage. Results: Of the 120 patients, 76% exhibited OSD symptoms. Schirmer's test results showed reduced tear production in 68% of cases, while 80% had abnormal OSDI scores. Meibomian gland dysfunction was noted in 58% of patients, correlating with higher Oxford Staining Scores (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Ocular surface damage is a prevalent and significant complication in patients with cGVHD. Early assessment using standardized tests allows for better management of symptoms and preservation of visual function.

Background: Amblyopia, commonly referred to as "lazy eye," is a developmental visual disorder characterized by reduced vision in one or both eyes not correctable by glasses or contact lenses and not attributed to any eye disease. It typically arises from abnormal visual experience during early childhood and is the leading cause of monocular visual impairment in children and young adults. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for optimal visual outcomes. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology at Peoples College of Medical Science and Research Center, Bhopal, over a period of 16 months. A total of 1000 patients under 18 years of age presenting to the ophthalmology OPD were randomly selected. A comprehensive ocular examination was carried out, including visual acuity assessment, refraction, cover test, slit lamp examination, ophthalmoscopy, Worth’s four-dot test, and synoptophore testing. Patients with known causes of reduced visual acuity or prior ocular surgery were excluded. Data were collected using an Excel sheet and a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS v22. Results: Among the 1000 children examined, amblyopia was identified in a significant subset. The types of amblyopia diagnosed included anisometropic, strabismic, ametropic, and deprivation amblyopia, with anisometropic amblyopia being the most prevalent. The condition was slightly more common in males and in rural populations. Risk factors observed included high refractive errors, strabismus, and poor parental awareness. Early diagnosis was noted to impact treatment success. Conclusion: The prevalence and pattern of amblyopia observed in this study align with regional and global trends, highlighting the impact of uncorrected refractive errors and strabismus in childhood. The study underscores the importance of routine vision screening in school-aged children. Increased awareness, timely detection, and appropriate interventions can significantly reduce the burden of amblyopia and prevent long-term visual disability.

Background: Untreated cataracts continue to be the leading cause of blindness globally, despite the fact that this condition can be effectively and affordably addressed through a standard surgical procedure. Hence; the present study was conducted for assessing the visual outcome following cataract surgery. Materials & methods: A cohort of 100 patients, all diagnosed with cataract as the primary cause of their visual impairment and scheduled for surgical intervention, participated in this study. The inclusion criteria specified that patients must have a visual acuity of less than 6/60 in the affected eye due to cataract. An appropriate anesthetic was administered for each procedure. The presenting and best-corrected vision of the operated eye were evaluated on the day of discharge and again six weeks after surgery. Visual improvement was quantified using the World Health Organization's recommended method for assessing postoperative visual status. All data were documented in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Out of 200 patients, 96 underwent surgery on the right eye. Among these, 56 were males (28% of total patients) and 40 were females (20% of total patients).A total of 92 patients had surgery on the left eye, with 48 males (24%) and 44 females (22%). twelve patients underwent bilateral cataract surgeries, comprising six males (3%) and six females (3%).The study included 110 males (55%) and 90 females (45%). The mean age of the study participants was calculated to be approximately 62.50 years, with male and female participants having estimated mean ages of 63.42 and 65.50 years, respectively. majority (84%) of patients exhibited severe visual impairment preoperatively, with visual acuity less than 3/60.Only 4% had moderate visual impairment (6/24 to 6/60), and none had visual acuity better than 6/60.Postoperatively, there was a substantial improvement in visual acuity. Specifically, 22% of patients achieved visual acuity between 6/60 to 6/18, and 38% attained moderate visual acuity (6/24 to 6/60). The number of patients with severe visual impairment (less than 3/60) decreased to 30%. These improvements are statistically significant, with a p-value of 0.001. Conclusion: To optimize outcomes in cataract surgeries, eye care staff can take several key steps like Promoting cataract surgeries at an earlier age to achieve better results and improve the patient's quality of life & providing thorough counseling to manage patient expectations, especially in cases with co-morbidities. This helps enhance patient satisfaction and outcomes by ensuring realistic expectations and informed decision-making