Management of late-onset flocculent after-cataract with capsular bag lavage and posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis

We describe our technique for the management of late-onset liquefied after-cataract (LAC) to ensure long-term visual axis clarity. The densely adherent anterior capsular rim over the intraocular lens (IOL) optic was released with the help of microvitreoretinal blade, and multiple relaxing radial incisions were made on the capsular rim to facilitate easy access to the capsular bag. A thorough capsular bag lavage was performed with the help of bimanual irrigation-aspiration. Posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (PCCC) was performed after complete aspiration of fluid after-cataract to prevent recurrence. This technique was successfully performed in 14 cases. Postoperatively, IOL was stable and an uncorrected distance visual acuity of >20/32 was achieved in all cases. No recurrence was observed in any case over a follow-up of 1 year. Our technique of capsular bag lavage with PCCC is safe and effective for the management of LAC with optimal visual and anatomical outcomes

Prevalence and risk factors of dry eye disease in North India: Ocular surface disease index-based cross-sectional hospital study

Purpose: This study aims to study the prevalence of DED and analyze risk factors in North Indian population. Methods: This was a cross-section hospital-based, observational study. Cases enrolled over 2 years (systematic random sampling) were administered ocular surface disease index questionnaire to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of DED. Schirmer's test and tear break-up time were performed only in the subset of patients giving consent. Categorical data were assessed with Chi-square/Fisher's Exact test, and odds ratio was analyzed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. P < 0.05 was statistically significant. Results: A total of 15,625 patients were screened. The prevalence of DED was 32% (5000/15625); 9.9% (496/5000) had mild DED; 61.2% (3060/5000) had moderate DED; and 28.9% (1444/5000) had severe DED. Age group of 21–40 years, male sex, urban region, and desk job were associated with increased risk of DED. Hours of visual display terminal (VDT) usage significantly correlated with DED (P < 0.001), and 89.98% of patients with 4 h or more of VDT use had severe dry eye. Cigarette smoking and contact lens usage had increased odds of developing severe DED (P < 0.001). Objective tests were undertaken in 552 patients; of these, 81.3% (449/552) had severe DED. Conclusions: The prevalence of DED in North India is 32%, with the age group of 21–40 years affected most commonly. VDT use, smoking, and contact lens use were associated with increased odds of developing DED

Chlamydia trachomatis Antigen Positivity in Patients with Different Ocular Manifestations over 8 Years

Laboratory confirmation of chlamydial antigen in clinically suspected cases of chlamydial eye infections is important, as similar clinical picture can be presented by different infective or noninfective causes. We retrospectively analyzed the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis antigen in 690 clinically suspected patients over the last 8 years (2009–2016). The chlamydial antigen was detected using direct immunofluorescence assay. Overall, Chlamydia-specific antigen positivity was 45.5%. The highest positivity was seen in 2014 (68.6%) and the least in 2016 (9.4%). The antigen positivity in years 2015 (13.4%) and 2016 (9.4%) was significantly less than in all the previous study years (P < 0.0001). Antigen positivity in patients having clinical diagnosis of trachoma was significantly higher than those having other eye manifestations suggestive of chlamydial infections (P = 0.0274). Stringent surveillance both at community level and in hospital attendees is required to know the actual load of this pathogen

Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination (N = 2954).

Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination (N = 2954).</p

Health characteristics of the participants with COVID-19 vaccination coverage.

Health characteristics of the participants with COVID-19 vaccination coverage.</p

Characteristics of the study participants along with COVID-19 vaccination coverage.

Characteristics of the study participants along with COVID-19 vaccination coverage.</p

COVID-19 vaccine coverage by types.

BackgroundConducting a study in rural pre-dominant areas will help to understand the penetration of the vaccination campaign during the COVID-19 health crisis. This study aimed to investigate vaccination coverage against COVID-19 among the rural adult population in India and to identify factors associated with vaccination coverage.MethodsA population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the rural population in one district of north India from January to February 2023. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed on the SurveyMonkey digital platform for interviewing the participants, which consisted of questions related to socio-demographic profile, health problems, vaccination status, types of vaccine, re-infection after vaccination, and functional difficulties. The data regarding infection with COVID-19 was collected based on self-reported positive testing for SARS-CoV 2 on RT-PCR.FindingsA total of 3700 eligible individuals were enumerated for the survey, out of which 2954 (79.8%) were interviewed. The infection rate of past COVID-19 infection, based on self-report of testing positive, was 6.2% (95%CI: 5.3–7.1). Covishield vaccine was received by most participants (81.3%, 2380) followed by Covaxin (12.3%, 361) and Pfizer manufactured vaccine (0.03,1). The coverage for first, second, and booster doses of the vaccine was 98.2% (2902), 94.8% (2802), and 10.7% (315) respectively. The risk of reinfection at 12 months or more among participants with two doses of vaccine was 1.6% (46/2802, 95%CI: 1.2–2.1). The coverage among those with severe functional difficulties was lesser as compared to those with some or no difficulties.InterpretationVaccination coverage against COVID-19 in rural Haryana, India is not dependent on factors like gender or occupation but is dependent on age and education. Although the full and partial vaccination coverage is high, the booster dose coverage is poor. In addition, the presence of severe disability was significantly associated with reduced vaccination coverage.</div