Ophthalmology Referral Practices in Candidaemia Patients

  • Reading time:6 mins read
  • Post author:Sara Fatima Memon
  • Post category:Article

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) recommends ophthalmic examinations for all culture positive candidemia patients, acknowledging the risk of candida endophthalmitis. However, recent trends have shown a decline in ocular candida involvement, with rates as low as 1%. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) therefore suggests a more selective, risk-based approach to referrals, considering factors such as whether the patient reports ocular symptoms, overall prognosis, microbiology results, and ocular penetrance of the chosen antifungal agent. As a result of a discrepancy in guidelines, the decision often falls to ward doctors whether or not to make a referral, who may lack specific expertise in this area.

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Eye Health in Psychiatric Inpatients

  • Reading time:6 mins read
  • Post author:Sara Fatima Memon, Shahid Iqbal, Kashaf Zaidi
  • Post category:Article

Psychiatric inpatients represent a unique population with distinct healthcare needs, particularly concerning ocular health. Often grappling with severe mental health challenges, these individuals face an elevated risk of developing physical health conditions which can significantly impact their quality of life. The intersection of mental and ocular health in psychiatric inpatients is a relatively under-explored area. Studies, albeit few, have pointed out that individuals with severe mental illness are more susceptible to visual impairment and symptoms such as blurred vision, headaches and periocular pain.

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Surma: Tradition in Every Glimpse

  • Reading time:7 mins read
  • Post author:Sara Fatima Memon, Rameez Naqvi, Kashaf Zaidi
  • Post category:Article

Applying Kajal, collyrium, surma or kohl to the eyes is a common practice in many parts of the world, particularly in the Indian subcontinent. The word Surma is derived from the Urdu word antimony, due to its original main constituents being antimony trisulfide and ore stibnite. However, due to the scarcity and expense of antimony, galena (lead sulphite) is commonly added to the composition. Surma is not only used for its aesthetic appeal but also for its perceived medicinal properties. As a result, the practice spans across age groups and genders, with infants' eyes commonly being lined with Surma as a customary practice. In fact, a recent clinical trial demonstrated a significant improvement in blepharitis-related signs and symptoms in eyes treated with Kohl compared with erythromycin ointment in staphylococcal blepharitis.

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