A review of the changes in the ophthalmic and visual system in pregnancy

Pregnancy is often associated with ocular changes which may be more commonly transient but occasionally, permanent. It may be associated with the development of new ocular conditions, or can exacerbate pre-existing conditions. The ocular effects of pregnancy may be physiological or pathological or may be modifications of pre-existing conditions. Adnexial changes include chloasma, spider angiomas and ptosis. Anterior segment changes include a decrease in conjunctival capillaries and an increase in the granularity of conjunctival venules and in corneal curvature, changes in corneal thickness, refractive index, accommodation and refractive errors, and a decrease in intraocular pressure. Posterior segment changes include worsening of diabetic retinopathy, central serous chorioretinopathy, increased risk of peripheral vitreochorioretinal dystrophies and retinal detachment, and a beneficial effect on non-infectious uveitis. Systemic disorders of importance include preeclampsia, Graves disease and multiple sclerosis. Intracranial disorders with ocular effects in pregnancy include Pseudotumor cerebri, prolactinomas and Sheehan’s syndrome (Afr J Reprod Health 2008; 12[3]:185-196)

Congenital Ophthalmic Anomalies in Benin City, Nigeria

Introduction:Congenital eye anomalies are a cause of childhood blindness which constitutes a great socioeconomic loss to the individual, family and community. Method: The medical records of pediatric patients seen between January 2005 and December 2009 at the Ophthalmology clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City were analysed to identify those with congenital anomalies. Data on the type of anomaly, age at presentation, sex and eye involved were obtained. Result: A total of 905 children were seen during this study period. Ninety-three (10.3%) had congenital eye anomalies. The age range at presentation was 5 days to 13year. The male to female ratio was 1.6: 1. The most common congenital anomalies were congenital cataract (24.7%), congenital glaucoma (16.1%), dacryostenosis (11.9%) and strabismus (9.7%). Conclusion: The main congenital eye abnormalities are avoidable and treatable causes of childhood blindness when promptly and adequately managed. Medical personnel involved in child care should be sensitized on identification and prompt referral of cases of congenital eye anomalies to the pediatric ophthalmologist. Keywords: congenital eye anomalies, congenital cataract, congenital glaucoma, childhood blindness, Niger

Pattern of Eye Injuries in Children in Benin City, Nigeria

Background: Ocular trauma is a leading cause of visual loss and blindness and though it affects all age groups, it remains a very important cause of monocular blindness amongst childrenObjective: The aim of this study is to determine the pattern, causes and visual outcome of ocular injuries among children aged 15 years and below.Methodology: A 3-year retrospective study was carried out in the Eye Department of University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria from January 2009 to December 2011. The information retrieved included age, gender, type of injury, cause of injury, location where injury occurred, eye involved, time of presentation at the hospital following injury, presenting visual acuity and visual outcome after treatment.Results: Fifty-four children made up of 64.8% males, with a male:female ratio of 1.84:1,were managed for eye injuries. Majority of the eye injuries were lacerations (50%). Sharp objects were responsible for 53.7%, followed by blunt objects 31.5%. Injury in the home constituted 72.2% of all injuries, while those sustained in school were 22.2% and the left eye was more affected (57.4%). Seventy-four percent (74%) presented within one week of eye injury, with 37% presenting within the first day. There was vision in 98.1% of the children prior to occurrence of injury, but visual outcome was good in only 9.3% after 6months of treatment.Conclusion: Most of the accidents in this study occurred at home. There is a need to supervise children as much as it is possible when playing at home. It is also important to educate parents and caregivers on the likely risk of injury that could occur at home and how to prevent it.Keywords: Accident, domestic, injuries, ocular, playin

Ocular morbidities in a targeted high-risk urban population in Benin City, Edo State

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