Paediatric Cross-Linking in Keratoconus: A Clinical Audit

  • Reading time:11 mins read
  • Post author:Azeem Siddique, Gareth Spence, Michael O’Gallagher, Dimple Patel, Jonathan Jackson
  • Post category:Article

Keratoconus is an ectasia in which progressive thinning and cone-shaped distortion of the cornea result in worsening vision through increasing myopia and astigmatism. Age at diagnosis is usually between 15 and 30 years however it has been suggested that keratoconus is often more advanced if first diagnosed in childhood and progresses more quickly. The estimated prevalence of keratoconus is 1.38 per 1000 population (2). Risk factors include family history of keratoconus,  eye rubbing and atopic conditions. Patients may experience a reduction in visual acuity and distortion of the visual field. Keratoconus is diagnosed through keratometry, the measurement of the curvature, thickness and steepness of the cornea with computerised corneal topography.

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Clinician Confidence in Managing Ophthalmological Presentations: A Model for Collaborative Post-Graduate Training in Ophthalmology

  • Reading time:7 mins read
  • Post author:Jennifer Utting
  • Post category:Article

Clinicians working in emergency medicine (EM), general practice (GP) and general medicine are frequently expected to review, assess and manage those presenting with ophthalmic complaints. They are in many instances the gatekeepers to accessing secondary ophthalmological care services. Often these clinicians have received only undergraduate teaching on ophthalmology and infrequently utilise their skills with ophthalmological equipment such as fundoscopes and rarely a slit lamp. Due to this, clinician confidence in managing ophthalmological issues is often poor.

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Introduction to Ophthalmic Surgery Course 2022-23 An Overview

  • Reading time:4 mins read
  • Post author:Azeem Mustafa Sher
  • Post category:Article

I attended the course in September 2022. The course was beneficial for me as it allowed me to gain hands-on experience using the microscope, working with ophthalmic instruments, and familiarising myself with common ophthalmological surgical techniques. The course has in the past contributed 1 point towards the ST1 Ophthalmology portfolio – the latest version of the Ophthalmology ST1 evidence folder states 1 point will be awarded for ‘Evidence of other ophthalmology simulation training’. The course also incorporates spending time on the EyeSi surgical simulator. Having the opportunity to use the EyeSi is beneficial for trainees as they need to complete the available modules throughout their training, whilst those doctors/students wanting to apply for Ophthalmology training, completing 4 hours on the simulator also contributes 1 point towards the portfolio.

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Preservative Free Intracameral Pilocarpine for Intraoperative Miosis

  • Reading time:5 mins read
  • Post author:Abdullah Cheema, Babar Khan
  • Post category:Article

We describe use of 0.5% intracameral preservative free pilocarpine during cataract and glaucoma surgery for pupillary miosis, as alternative to commonly used intraoperative intracameral miotic agents such as acetyl choline and carbachol. This agent is safe and effective in achieving intraoperative miosis and free of corneal toxicity and causing intraocular inflammation.

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Lyme Disease Associated Orbital Myositis: A Rare Cause of Orbital Swelling

  • Reading time:7 mins read
  • Post author:Abdullah Cheema, Raina Goyal
  • Post category:Article

A 61-year-old man presented with a 1-day history of right eye pain, right periorbital swelling, and painful diplopia upon right gaze. He was triaged as having Orbital Cellulitis in the emergency room and was given intravenous metronidazole and ceftriaxone. The patient has a medical history of Type 2 diabetes, right subclavian thrombosis, and Lyme disease, for which he was treated with Doxycycline and Rifampicin. He also has colour blindness and a raised immunoglobulin level, as well as a history of soft tissue thickening and acute inflammatory changes in the right periorbital region. Upon examination, the patient's visual acuity was 6/9 in both eyes, and the right eye showed swelling and tenderness at the superior and inferior margins, chemosis, and restriction of left abduction and upgaze. Blood tests showed elevated CRP levels and a positive rheumatoid factor.

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Ophthalmology Specialty Training (OST) Portfolio Criteria (2022 changes)

  • Reading time:12 mins read
  • Post author:Ahmed Elsaadawy
  • Post category:Article

Until the time of writing this article, candidates are allowed to submit their portfolio evidences on-line in the first half of February. This follows your submission of the main OST application in November and attempting the MSRA in January (please see Oriel in the year you are applying for accurate dates). Further information about the on-line evidence portal is usually sent to candidates just before the portal opening.

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My 5 Star Taster Week at St Thomas’ Hospital London

  • Reading time:6 mins read
  • Post author:Aisha Ismail Abubakar
  • Post category:Article

Some things are almost too good to be true. This feeling resonates with me every time I look back at my taster week in Ophthalmology at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. It was February 2022 and I had just started a new job in the Orthopaedic department of Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.

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Diplopia: Overcoming the Diagnostic Challenges Associated with Double Vision

  • Reading time:7 mins read
  • Post author:Sarah Walker-Date
  • Post category:Article

This article aims to improve junior doctor’s ability to assess and manage patients presenting with diplopia.  Diplopia is an important sign to be able to recognise, often being the first manifestation of a serious systemic, muscular or neurological disorder.

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Sjogren’s Syndrome: An Ocular Overview

  • Reading time:13 mins read
  • Post author:Sarah Coates
  • Post category:Article

Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disorder which predominantly affects the salivary and lacrimal glands (exocrine glands) resulting in presentation of dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) and dry mouth (xerostomia), collectively known as sicca symptoms. Although ren SS primarily affects glands, in some cases there is extra-glandular involvement indicating an autoimmune response can occur in other organs and tissues. SS is categorised into primary, when symptoms occur in isolation, or secondary, when symptoms occur in conjunction with another autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus.

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Moebius Syndrome: An Ocular Overview

  • Reading time:10 mins read
  • Post author:Sarah Coates
  • Post category:Article

Moebius syndrome is a rare congenital neurological disorder whereby there is an underdevelopment or absence of cranial nerve VI (abducens) and cranial nerve VII (facial), leading to weakness or paralysis of facial and extraocular muscles. Abnormalities can also occur in other cranial nerves including the 3rd, 5th, 8th, 9th, 11th and 12th. This article will focus upon the ocular manifestations of Moebius syndrome.

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