The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent membrane underlying the inner lid surfaces and the anterior sclera, and it is important in maintaining a suitable environment for the cornea and as defence against infection and trauma. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva and is characterized by dilation of the conjunctival vessels, resulting in hyperaemia and oedema of the conjunctiva, typically with associated discharge. However, visual acuity is usually not affected.
Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a surgical procedure to treat nasolacrimal duct obstruction, which often results in chronic dacryocystitis and excessive tearing (epiphora). This article provides a comprehensive overview of the procedure, including anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, historical context, surgical techniques, specific complications, and outcomes.
Lymphedema-Distichiasis Syndrome (LDS) is a rare genetic disorder characterised by the presence of double rows of eyelashes (distichiasis) and primary lymphedema. The ophthalmological manifestations of LDS are significant due to their potential impact on vision and overall eye health. This article provides an overview of the clinical features, diagnosis, and management of the ophthalmological complications associated with LDS.
Fuchs’ dystrophy, a progressive disorder affecting the cornea, is a condition characterised by the gradual deterioration of endothelial cells in the cornea, leading to vision impairment and, in severe cases, blindness. Ernst Fuchs, an Austrian ophthalmologist, first described the dystrophy in 1910. His detailed observations laid the groundwork for understanding the disease's clinical and pathological features. Initially, there were no effective treatments, and patients often faced significant vision loss. The primary management strategies involved symptomatic relief through hypertonic saline drops and ointments to reduce corneal oedema temporarily.
Corneal transplantation has seen significant advancements in recent years, with Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK) and Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) at the forefront. These techniques offer improved outcomes and faster recovery times compared to traditional full-thickness corneal transplants. This article explores the differences between DSEK and DMEK, highlighting their respective advantages and applications.
Birdshot chorioretinopathy (also known as birdshot retinochoroidopathy, vitiliginous chorioretinitis or birdshot uveitis) is a cause of chronic and bilateral posterior uveitis. It is characterised by yellow-white hypopigmented fundus lesions, and results in a gradual decline in visual acuity over time. The disease was first described as “candle wax spot chorioretinopathy” in 1949 by two ophthalmologists, Franceschetti and Babel, referring to a case of a 65-year-old woman who presented with discrete hypopigmented lesions. It was not until 1980 that two other ophthalmologists, Ryan and Maumenee, used the term “birdshot” to describe the scatter pattern of cream-coloured retinal lesions seen in the condition that resemble the pattern seen when pellets are fired from a shotgun.
Tattoo-associated uveitis is a rare condition that was first described in a case series by Lubeck and Epstein in 1952. It is characterised by uveitis developing after obtaining a tattoo, with or without granulomatous inflammation of the tattoo. Tattoo-associated uveitis can be broadly divided into three categories: cases occurring without systemic sarcoid involvement (10-20%); cases with a sarcoid-like reaction limited to the tattoo (20-30%); and cases concurrently diagnosed with distant cutaneous or systemic sarcoidosis, with or without tattoo involvement (50-60%).
30 September 2024 – 1 October 2024 iGLEAMS is a pioneering 2-day ophthalmology conference dedicated to the innovative realm of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MiGS), fostering a vibrant platform for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and advancements in this rapidly evolving field.
The oculomotor cranial nerve has 2 major components which collectively control eye movements, pupil constriction, and upper eyelid elevation. Accordingly, third nerve palsy will cause diplopia, failure of pupil constriction, and upper eyelid ptosis. Third nerve palsy can be divided into a partial or complete palsy and has a variety of causes which can be life-threatening.
Keratoconus is a progressive condition, usually presenting bilaterally, that affects the cornea. It leads to the thinning and bulging of the cornea which eventually causes the cornea to become cone shaped. It has a detrimental impact on the patient’s vision. The word keratoconus is derived from Greek and it means ‘cone-shaped’ cornea, with John Nottingham widely acknowledged as the first to define the condition in 1854. Studies that have investigated its epidemiology have estimated prevalence at between 1.5 and 25 per 100,000 people per year, however there is huge variance due to reasons such as geographical location, ethnicity and the diagnostic criteria used to identify keratoconus.