Corneal Characteristics of Myopic Malay School Children and Their Association with Axial Length

Syarifah Faiza Syed Mohd Dardin,1,2 Bariah Mohd-Ali,1 Mizhanim Mohamad Shahimin,1 Mohd Norhafizun Mohd Saman,1 Norhani Mohidin1 1Optometry & Vision Science Program and Research Centre for Community Health (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Science, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 2Optometry Service, Allied Health Science Division, Medical Programme, Ministry of Health, Putrajaya, MalaysiaCorrespondence: Bariah Mohd-Ali, Optometry & Vision Science Programme, Research Centre for Community Health (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Science, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur Campus, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia, Tel +60392897602, Fax +60392897604, Email [email protected]: Corneal characteristics are unique to each eye and can vary among different levels of refractive errors. However, minimal data are available in the literature on corneal characteristics in myopic Malay school children including the difference between the low myopic group and the moderate myopic group. Therefore, this study aims to determine the corneal characteristics of myopic Malay school children and their associations with axial length.Methods: A total of eighty-four data samples were extracted from forty-two myopic Malay school children. Measurements of the central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal curvature, corneal diameter, and axial length were measured using Lenstar LS900, a non-contact optical biometer. Data were later stratified by the spherical equivalent refraction (SER) into a low myopic group and a moderate myopic group, and paired t-test were employed to determine the differences in the corneal characteristics between these two groups. Univariate and multivariate linear regressions were performed to identify factors that are significantly associated with axial length.Results: There was no significant difference in the CCT, corneal curvature and corneal diameter between the low myopic group and the moderate myopic group (t82=0.015, P=0.99), (t82=− 0.802, P=0.43) and (t82=− 0.575, P=0.57), respectively. Pearson univariate correlation analysis found that axial length significantly correlated with corneal curvature (r=− 0.765, P< 0.001) and corneal diameter (r=0.614, P< 0.001) but no significant correlation found with CCT (r=0.046, P=0.68). Multiple regression analysis showed that axial length was significantly associated with a flatter corneal curvature (P< 0.001), older age (P< 0.001) and larger corneal diameter (P=0.02).Conclusion: This study reported the corneal characteristics in myopic Malay school children and its associations with axial length. Results of this study can serve as a reference value for the myopic Malay schoolchild population.Keywords: Lenstar LS900, corneal characteristics, Malay, myopic school childre

The effect of nutritional supplementation on the multifocal electroretinogram in healthy eyes

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated an increase in macular pigment optical density (MPOD) with lutein (L)-based supplementation in healthy eyes. However, not all studies have assessed whether this increase in MPOD is associated with changes to other measures of retinal function such as the multifocal ERG (mfERG). Some studies also fail to report dietary levels of L and zeaxanthin (Z). Because of the associations between increased levels of L and Z, and reduced risk of AMD, this study was designed to assess the effects of L-based supplementation on mfERG amplitudes and latencies in healthy eyes. METHODS: Multifocal ERG amplitudes, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, MPOD and dietary levels of L and Z were assessed in this longitudinal, randomized clinical trial. Fifty-two healthy eyes from 52 participants were randomly allocated to receive a L-based supplement (treated group), or no supplement (non-treated group). RESULTS: There were 25 subjects aged 18-77 (mean age ± SD; 48 ± 17) in the treated group and 27 subjects aged 21-69 (mean age ± SD; 43 ± 16) in the non-treated group. All participants attended for three visits: visit one at baseline, visit two at 20 weeks and visit three at 40 weeks. A statistically significant increase in MPOD (F = 17.0, p ≤ 0.001) and shortening of mfERG ring 2 P1 latency (F = 3.69, p = 0.04) was seen in the treated group. CONCLUSIONS: Although the results were not clinically significant, the reported trend for improvement in MPOD and mfERG outcomes warrants further investigation

The electroretinogram:a useful tool for evaluating age-related macular disease?

With an ageing population, the number of age-related macular disease (ARMD) cases will inevitably rise. This gives greater impetus for the need to identify the disease earlier and assess treatments to slow disease progression. Differing electroretinogram (ERG) modalities have been reviewed in relation to the objective assessment of retinal function in ARMD and for monitoring the effectiveness of clinical interventions. Conflicting results have been found with regard to the efficacy of ERG findings in the investigation of ARMD in previous years. The newer multifocal ERG paradigm provides spatial topographical information about retinal function in ARMD. It has shown promising results in monitoring effectiveness of clinical interventions and studies are continuing in this area. Better knowledge of retinal function in ARMD may lead to enhanced treatments at each phase of the disease

Visual performance and aberration associated with contact lens wear in patients with keratoconus: a pilot study

Mustafa Abdu, Norhani Mohidin, Bariah Mohd-Ali Optometry and Vision Science Program, School of Healthcare Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Background: Rigid gas permeable (RGP) and silicone hydrogel (SH) contact lenses with specific designs are currently being used to improve visual function in patients with keratoconus. However, there are minimal data available comparing the effects of these lenses on visual function in patients with keratoconus. The objectives of this study were to compare visual acuity and contrast sensitivity using spectacles, RGP lenses, and SH lenses, and to evaluate the effects of RGP and SH lenses on higher-order aberrations and visual quality in eyes with keratoconus. The relationship between visual outcomes, aberration, and visual quality were also examined. Methods: This was a pilot study involving 13 eyes from nine subjects with keratoconus. Subjects were fitted with RGP and SH contact lenses. Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were measured using Snellen and Pelli-Robson charts, respectively. Ocular aberrations and visual quality were measured using an OPD-Scan II device. All measurements were conducted before and after contact lens wear. Results: Significantly better visual acuity was obtained with RGP lenses than with spectacles or SH lenses (P&lt;0.001). No significant difference in contrast sensitivity values was detected between RGP and SH lenses (P=0.06). Both SH and RGP lenses significantly reduced total ocular and higher-order aberrations (P&lt;0.001) when compared with spectacles, but RGP lenses reduced trefoil, coma, and spherical aberrations more than SH lenses. No significant difference in astigmatic aberrations was found between RGP and SH lenses (P=0.12). Negative correlations were found between visual acuity and coma aberration and contrast sensitivity with higher-order aberrations and coma, trefoil, and astigmatic aberrations. Regarding visual quality, no significant difference was found between RGP and SH lenses, but RGP significantly improved visual quality when compared with spectacles (P=0.04). Conclusion: RGP lenses provided better visual acuity and greater reduction of aberrations than spectacles or SH lenses in patients with keratoconus. However, more data are needed to confirm these findings. Keywords: visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, aberration, visual quality, keratoconu

Sustainable architectural design studio towards the development of creative learning environment

The design studio has always been the key feature of architecture education. Unfortunately, the design studio in universities focused too much on cost and the uniformity of design throughout the whole campus and this leads to office-like layout which is designed without taking note on the psychological approach of the architecture students using the spaces. This paper intends to elucidate this problem and tries to find the best design solution for a sustainable architectural design studio towards an effective studio learning outcome vital for a creative learning environment. This study has found out that there are three key factors that contributed in the development of creative studio learning environment among occupants which are—the needs to have a transformable private and personal space, multi-functional interactive space and livable natural setting. This study is important because suitable architectural studio will not only provide a creative learning environment to the users but also established referential guideline for future architects

Prevalens kesalahan refraktif satu sampel populasi orang asli di Malaysia

Orang asli merupakan istilah yang digunakan bagi merujuk kumpulan masyarakat pribumi iaitu penduduk asal di sesebuah negeri, kawasan ataupun tempat (Amdun 1988). Dianggarkan kira-kira 60 ribu orang asli terdapat di Semenanjung Malaysia kecuali Pulau Pinang dan Perlis dengan 3 kategori terbesar iaitu Proto-Malaya, Senoi dan Negrito (atau Semang) (Rambo 1988). Terdapat pelbagai suku kaum orang asli seperti Jakun, Temuan, Semelan, Temok, Kanak, Laut dan Selitar (Carey 1976). Dikatakan populasi Orang Asli di Kuala Pangsun, Hulu Langat adalah dari suku kaum Temuan dalam rumpun Proto-Malaya dan dikenali juga dengan nama Orang Belandas. Mereka mengamalkan budaya hidup sendiri dan amat sukar menerima perubahan dan hanya berkahwin dikalangan suku kaum sahaja (Carey 1976). Dikatakan taraf kehidupan masyarakat Orang Asli di kawasan ini lebih maju berbanding dengan kawasan lain dari segi pendidikan dan sistem komunikasi (Hood 1976)

Evaluating the implementation of ‘Islamic built environment’ in the context of landscape components in public open spaces in Malaysia

The main purpose of this paper is to evaluate the implementation of ‘Islamic built environment’ (IBE) concept in public open spaces in Malaysia. Granting the development of IBE must be the basis in every concept of national development in Malaysia. Thus, this research believes that the adaptation of true Islamic concept is the very crucial in public open spaces that belong to the Malaysian community and for public use, besides being the focus of attraction and tourism assets. This research was conducted based on literatures on framework of indicators of truly Islamic environment. The evaluation was prepared through observation on ten indicators, namely (1) Tolerance, (2) Natural Environment, (3) Social Need and Human Comfort, (4) Religious Identity, (5) Order, (6) Economic, (7) Intellectual and Knowledge, (8) Hygiene, (9) Jannah, and (10) Safety in the selected open public spaces in Malaysia. This research employed a descriptive and survey-based research design rooted in quantitative and qualitative research paradigms. The procedure of research methodology is a combination of reviewing literature, data collection, and data analysis to determine the research finding. For data gathering, this research carried out a site survey for on-site observation confined to the context of landscape components in public open spaces. The findings of this research can benefit and guide Malaysian administrators and professionals in built environment industries to generate a better and more appropriate process of implementing an IBE in Muslim countries, particularly with regard to public open spaces

Building communal values for quality sustainable living in traditional madrassa—the case of Madrassa Quran Kubang Bujuk, Trengganu

Madrassa is deemed referred as a religious education center for the Muslim community. Due to its well acceptance and establishment in the Muslim society, madrassa not only acts as scholarly center but also as a place that promotes goodwill and unity. However, many scholars are of opinion that traditional madrassa is considerably significant as it has an important role in reshaping Islamic education towards the development of communal values. This paper aims to identify and elucidate the importance of the traditional design of madrassa towards the development of communal values. Madrassa Quran Kubang Bujuk in Trengganu was analyzed as case study due to its significant establishment and dominant role in reshaping the local Muslim society. In addition, the architectural madrassa design is distinctive, and its multifunctional purpose considers the well-being of occupants towards the development of communal values. Semiotic as research method is used to reveal the communal values that are embedded in the architectural design of a madrassa. The findings will benefits future designers and scholars on the importance of communal values and the propagation of Islamic teaching through the representation of madrassa as built form

Peripheral Eye Length Evaluation in Myopic Children Undergoing Orthokeratology Treatment for 12 Months Using MRI

Yu Chen Low,1 Bariah Mohd-Ali,1 Mizhanim Mohamad Shahimin,1 Norhani Mohidin,1 Hamzaini Abdul-Hamid,2 Siti Salasiah Mokri3 1Optometry and Vision Science Program and Research Centre for Community Health (REACH), Faculty of Health Sciences, UKM Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 2Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, UKM, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 3Department of Electrical, Electronics and Systems, Faculty of Engineering and Built, UKM, Bangi, Selangor, MalaysiaCorrespondence: Bariah Mohd-Ali, Optometry and Vision Science Program and Research Centre for Community Health (REACH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia, Tel +603-92897602, Email [email protected]: To investigate changes in peripheral eye length (PEL) in myopic children undergoing orthokeratology (Ortho-K) treatment for 12 months using MRI. The results were compared to single vision spectacle wearers (SVS).Patients and Methods: A total of 70 children with myopia (aged 8– 9 years old) were recruited. A total of 45 children were fitted with Ortho-K, and 25 were fitted with SVS. The PEL and axial length (AL) were measured by using MRI 3-Tesla, whereas central and peripheral refraction (PR) measurements were conducted at ± 30 degrees horizontally with nasal (N) and temporal (T) intervals of 10°, 20°, and 30° and with an open field autorefractometer (WAM-5500 Grand Seiko). All the measurements were conducted at the baseline and 12 months.Results: The MRI analysis indicates that at 12 months, the SVS group showed more elongation of the PEL and AL at all eccentricities than the Ortho-K group did (p < 0.05). The Ortho-K group only showed significant PEL elongation beyond 20 degrees at N20, N30, T20, and T30 (p < 0.05); however, a significant reduction in the AL was detected in the center AL, N10, and T10 (p < 0.05). All eccentricities in the relative PR of the Ortho-K group were significantly more myopic than at the baseline (p < 0.05), whereas in the SVS group, all eccentricities in the relative PR were shown to be significantly more hyperopic than at the baseline (p < 0.05). The PEL and PR showed negative correlations at 12 months in the Ortho-K group.Conclusion: MRI analysis can be utilized to describe changes in PEL in myopic children. It appears that as myopia progressed in Ortho-K lens wearers, the PEL increased by a greater amount than the AL did; thus, the retina was reshaped to become increasingly oblate and to display peripheral myopic defocus.Keywords: myopia, peripheral eye length, peripheral refraction, childre