Comparative Evaluation of Spectral Transmittance of Some Welding Glasses with ANSI Z87.1

Background: Welding emits harmful rays to the eyes. We evaluate and compare the UV, blue light and IR transmittance characteristics of some currently available welding safety protectors with ANSI Z87.1 criteria.Materials and Methods: Three type of welding safety protectors (three of each type) have been evaluated for spectral transmittance. One-sample T-test was performed to establish is there a statistically significant difference between the standard criteria and UV, blue and IR regions for the welding protectors (α=0.05).Results: In ultraviolet (UV) (far and near) region, two types of the tested protectors (P1, P2) transmitted lower than the maximum allowable value specified in the standard (P<0.001). In infrared (IR) spectrum only one type (P3) transmitted lower than the maximum allowable value specified in the standard (P<0.001). In blue light region, all of the tested protectors transmitted lower than the maximum allowable value specified in the standard (P<0.001).Conclusion: Although all of the tested glasses could meet some parts of the criteria, but none of them could meet the complete spectral transmittance requirements of ANSI Z87.1

How Much of Hazardous Blue Light is Transmitted By Spectacle Lenses?

This is a Letter to the Editor and does not have an abstract

Epidemiology of eye diseases in monocular blind veterans in 19 provinces of Iran from 2010 to 2016

Background and Aim: Blindness is one of the permanent physical damage that is found frequently in war survivors. In monocular blind veterans, preservation and care of the remaining eye is very important. This study aimed to investigate diseases and disorders of both eyes of monocular blind veterans. Methods: A total of 1820 monocular blind veterans from 19 provinces of Iran were surveyed between 2010 and 2016. Demographic data including age, gender, marital status, injury rate, associated injuries, educational level and employment status were collected. After examination of the veterans� eyes, diseases of the both eyes and eyelid disorders were recorded by an ophthalmologist. Furthermore, treatment plans were provided to each patients. Results: The mean age of 1820 participants was 45.8 ± 7.8 years. About two-thirds (73.6) of participants had injuries other than blindness. More than half (54.2) of the blind eyes had diseases, the most frequent of which was phthisis bulbi (11.0). A total of 405 (22.2) of the non-blind eyes were healthy. The frequencies of diseases in non-blind eyes were as follows: refractive error, 620 (34.1); presbyopia, 533 (29.3); cataract, 62 (3.4); glaucoma, 32 (1.7); and others, 168 (9.3). Except for the glaucoma, these diseases were associated with age (P<0.05). Entropion (13.1) and incomplete eyelid closure (9.8) were the most common eyelid disorders. The majority of the blind (93.7) and non-blind (94.3) eyes needed follow-up in the next year of the study. Conclusion: In monocular blind veterans, the most frequent diseases and disorders of the blind eyes, non-blind eyes and eyelids were phthisis bulbi, refractive errors and entropion, respectively. Regarding the importance of preserving the vision of non-blind eyes and the frequency of diseases in both eyes of these veterans, periodic examination is necessary. © 2018 Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences. All Rights Reserved

Prevalence of strabismic binocular anomalies, amblyopia and anisometropia. Rehabilitation Faculty of Shahid Beheshti Medical University

Purpose: Manifest strabismus such as constant and alternative esotropia and exotropia, not only cause cosmetic problem in patients but also induce disorders such as amblyopia. These anomalies can lead to academic failure in students and reduce efficiency in other jobs. Therefore, determining the prevalence of binocular anomalies is important. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of strabismic binocular anomalies, amblyopia and anisometropia in patients examined in optometry clinic of the rehabilitation faculty of Shahid Beheshti Medical University in 2008/2009. Methods: In this study, files of 600 patients were evaluated. Cycloplegic refraction was performed in infants, elementary and middle school children and other patients had noncylcoplegic refraction. Anisometropia was defined as a difference of 1.00D or more between two eyes. Amblyopia was diagnosed as a reduction of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) to 20/30 or less in one eye or 2-line difference in the absence of pathological causes. Cover test was performed to investigate of strabismus. Results: The prevalence of strabismic binocular anomalies, amblyopia and anisometropia were respectively: anisometropia in 64 patients (10.67%), anisometropic amblyopia in 9 patients (1.5%), anisometropic amblyopia with exotropia in 1 patient (0.17%), anisometropic amblyopia with esotropia in 1 patient (0.17%), bilateral amblyopia in 5 patients (0.83%), esotropia in 2 patients (0.33%), exotropia in 1 patients (0.17%) and convergence insufficiency in 2 patients (0.33%). Discussion: The results show that the prevalence of anisometropia was higher than shown in previous studies but prevalence of convergence insufficiency, esotropia and exotropia was lower than previous studies

Do UV-blocking soft contact lenses meet ANSI Z80.20 criteria for UV transmittance?

Purpose: To compare ultraviolet (UV) ray transmission in four UV-blocking soft contact lenses with Z80.20 standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Methods: Four soft contact lenses including Acuvue Oasys (Johnson & Johnson, Ireland), Acuvue 2 (Johnson & Johnson, Ireland), Zeiss CONTACT Day 30 (Zeiss, Germany), and Sauflon 55 UV (Sauflon, UK) were evaluated for UV transmission. One-way ANOVA testing was performed to compare mean values of UVA and UVB transmission for the contact lenses. Results: Acuvue Oasys, Acuvue 2, Zeiss CONTACT Day 30 and Sauflon 55 UV showed UV-B transmittance values of 0.24%, 1.46%, 10.37%, and 2.52%, respectively. Corresponding values for UV-A transmittance were 20.81%, 33.49%, 44.03% and 42.53%, respectively. One-way ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference among the tested contact lenses in terms of UV-B (P < 0.001) and UV-A (P < 0.001) transmission. Conclusion: Acuvue Oasys met the ANSI criteria for UV transmission and may thus be a good choice for eye and vision care specialists and contact lens wearers seeking UV protection

A Study On The Frequency Of Different Types Of Optical Low Vision Aids Prescribed For Low Vision Patients Examined In The Clinic Of Optometry, Faculty Of Rehabilitation Sciences Shahid Beheshti University Of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1387

Background and Aim: Different diseases can be the cause of low vision. In the case of low vision, visual acuity with conventional optical devices such as glasses and contact lenses is between” 20/70 to 20/200”. To improve the visual performance in these patients, low vision aids are prescribed.The types of prescribed low vision aids vary in different diseases. The purpose of this study is to determine the type and frequency of optical aids prescribed for low vision patients examined in optometry clinic of Rehabilitation faculty of shahid Beheshti University in 1387. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 204 low vision patients went under investigation. In the present study variables including type and rate of refractive error, visual acuity with the best correction, type of diseases and type of prescribed optical low vision aids were investigated.Results: The frequency of prescribed distance glasses in diabetic retinopathy was 97%, age related macular degeneration 86.2%, Stargarts 92%, retinitis pigmentosa 86.4% and albinism 88.2%, Also the frequency of prescribed microscope in diabetic retinopathy was 81.82% , age related macular degeneration 48.27%, Stargarts 40% , retinitis pigmentosa 35.3% , albinism 35.3% and the frequency of prescribed magnifier in diabetic retinopathy was18.18%, age related macular degeneration 24.12% , Stargarts 52%, retinitis pigmentosa18.18% and albinism 29.4%.Conclusion: In many low vision conditions, it is more suitable to prescribe distance glasses rather than telescope. In this study the distance glass with the frequency of 84.8% is seen more acceptable in comparison with the telescope with the frequency of 41.7%. Among near optical low vision aids, microscope with the frequency of 50.5% is more accepted by the patients compared to magnifier with the frequency of 26% and CCTV with the frequency of 0.50%

A Comparative Investigation of Prescriptive Ophthalmic Lens Parameters with Iranian National Standards

Background and Aim: Wearing spectacles is the most common procedure for correction of refractive error and because of its close relationship with eye; the standards of frame & lens of glasses play a very important role in preventing vision problems. The purpose of this study was to compare spherical & cylindrical power and prismatic effect of plastic ophthalmic lenses with Iranian national standards.Material & Method: In this Cross sectional-Comparative study 48 plastic ophthalmic single vision lenses were inspected & compared with relative national standards i.e.: ISIRI 8715-1:1385.Results: The spherical power factor with instruments set as step 0.01, all the cases(-1.00,-3.00,-6.00) were in tolerance with limits of the standards (±0.12 D) .The instrument was set for 0.01 step for cylindrical power, at -6.00 D 100% of lenses had no cylindrical power. At -3.00 & -1.00 D about 99% were in tolerance with the standards (±0.09 D).The effect of horizontal & vertical prism, at the power of -6.00 all lenses show prismatic effect but 99% were in tolerance with the standards (±0.85D). At the power of -3.00 & -1.00 D, prismatic effect of lenses were in tolerance with relative standards (±0.55, ±0.35), respectively. Conclusion: All single vision were collected from famous companies showed the quality of passing all factors of tests & gained Iranian national standards i.e.: ISIRI 8715-1:1385

Epidemiological study of child casualties of landmines and unexploded ordnances: A national study from Iran

Background Despite landmine-risk education programs and extensive demining activities on the Western border of Iran, landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXOs) still cause civilian and child casualties three decades after the Iraq-Iran war (1980-1988). The objective of this study was to understand the epidemiological patterns and risk factors of injury in child casualties of landmines and UXOs in Western and Southwestern Iran. Methods Children who were 18 years old or younger at the time of study and who sustained injuries from landmines and UXOs were identified through a search at the Iranian National Veterans Registry. These children participated in a 5-day gathering. The information on socioeconomic status, health-related issues, quality of life, health care utilization, and clinical profiles concerning the landmine and UXO injuries were collected. The method of data collection consisted of three component surveys: health interview, social survey, and medical examinations. Social surveys and health interviews were conducted in a face-to-face method by utilizing a questionnaire consisting of 39 questions addressing household and individual components, including information on time and type of injuries, physical activity, mental health, and quality of life. A comprehensive team of physicians in different subspecialties evaluated and examined children to assess the current medical and psychiatric conditions and physical activity, and recommended and arranged further medical, rehabilitation, or surgical planning. Results Seventy-eight child casualties were identified and participated in the study. The mean age of the participants at the time of study was 16.11 years old (SD=2 years). The mean age of victims at the time of injury was 8.2 years (SD=3.12 years; ranged from 2 to 15 years old). Sixty-seven (85.9) of the children were male. Provinces of Kurdistan and Kermanshah had the highest number of casualties, with a total number of 54 children (68.3). Eighty percent of the injuries were caused by landmines, and UXO explosions were reported in 20 of the cases. Overall, 24 children (30) had received some landmine-risk education before or after the events. Sixty percent of the explosions had happened in the morning between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm. Playing and grazing livestock were the most prevalent activities/reasons at the time of injury, which were reported in 77 of the subjects. Sixty-three percent of incidents had multiple casualties and in only 13 explosions were the children the only victims of the explosion. The most prevalent injuries were amputations in 41 subjects (52.56), followed by hearing loss in 23 subjects (29.5). Amputations were more common in upper extremities (62) than in lower extremities (38). Conclusion Landmines and UXOs comprise a significant safety hazard to the children living in the Western border of Iran decades after the Iraq-Iran War. The large number of injuries and lack of risk training among victims suggest that landmine cleanings and landmine-risk education should be age-specifically targeted and expanded substantially. © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2015

Tear and serum MMP-9 and serum TIMPs levels in the severe sulfur mustard eye injured exposed patients

Introduction: Sulfur mustard (SM) intoxication produces local and systemic changes in the human body. In this study, the relationship between tear and serum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and serum tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are assessed in serious eye-injured SM-exposed casualties. Methods: A group of 128 SM-exposed patients with serious ocular injuries in three subgroups (19 mild, 31 moderate, and 78 severe cases) is compared with 31 healthy controls. Tear and ocular status and serum MMPs and MMP-9/TIMPs complex levels were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Serum level of MMP-9 was significantly higher in the SM-exposed group compared to the control group (P = 0.009). Mean serum MMP-9 level in the SM-exposed group with ocular abnormalities was significantly higher than that in the SM-exposed group without ocular abnormalities. SM-exposed people with corneal calcification had significantly higher serum MMP-9/TIMP-1 level compared to the SM-exposed ones without this problem (P = 0.045), The SM-exposed group with severe ocular injuries had significantly higher MMP-9/TIMP-1 than the controls (P = 0.046). The SM-exposed group had significantly lower levels of MMP-9/TIMP-4 complex than the controls (P < 0.001). The SM-exposed group with tear meniscus and fundus abnormality had significantly higher MMP-9/TIMP-4 levels than the SM-exposed group without these problems (P = 0.009 and P = 0.020). Conclusion: Serum MMP-9 level had increased in SM-exposed groups with ocular problems, while TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 levels had remained unchanged. Serum TIMP-4 drastically decreased in SM-exposed group, which clearly explains the severity of the systemic and ocular damages