Diabetic retinopathy is a serious sight-threatening complication of diabetes, where high blood glucose damages the small blood vessels throughout the body, including in the retina. These damaged blood vessels are prone to blood and fluid leakage resulting in retinal tissue swelling. In order to compensate for these blocked vessels, the eye facilitates growth of new abnormal blood vessels that tend to leak and bleed easily.
The importance of ophthalmic knowledge for physicians to prevent visual loss and disability for their patients is clear. However, as the ophthalmology field becomes more isolated from the rest of medicine, this is reflected in the diminishing allocation given to ophthalmic teaching in undergraduate education. The direct impact is a lack of confidence of physicians to deal with ophthalmic problems and therefore an inability to protect the sight of their patients’.
Presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS) is an inflammatory condition that continues to be cause for debate. Although the evidence is not robust, it is thought to be associated with infection with the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Although H. capsulatum is endemic to specific regions within the United States (US), there have been reports of cases in India, United Kingdom and Mexico.
Asian blepharoplasty is a well-established and popular surgical procedure among individuals of East Asian descent, primarily concerned with creating a well-defined upper eyelid crease. The academic literature on this procedure has been mainly dedicated to surgical techniques and anatomical considerations. However, the popularity of this procedure that purports to modify race-typical features among Asians has generated debates on its wider social implications. This review discusses the anatomy of the Asian upper eyelid as well as ethnocultural and ethical implications of the Asian blepharoplasty.
The decision to pursue a career in medicine is a reflection of one’s commitment to lifelong learning. From the moment one steps through the lecture theatre doors all the way to when he/she hangs up their stethoscope for the final time, the medic embarks on a lifelong journey of education and self-improvement. Although there is a constant emphasis on learning, the learning environment constantly evolves. Pre-clinical students by and large are taught through a combination of lecture-based and small-group theoretical and practical teaching. As these students progress to become clinical students, the main focus of their learning shifts from the lecture theatre to the clinical environment (hospitals, clinics and GP surgeries). As ophthalmology is a unique blend of medicine and surgery, clinical medical students and junior doctors may find themselves in a clinical setting that they may not be accustomed to – the operating theatre.
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is defined as a spectrum of hereditary disorders affecting the photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium, leading to progressive peripheral visual loss and night blindness. Retinitis pigmentosa is a leading cause of blindness worldwide and currently, many therapeutic challenges stand in the way of an approved therapy to stop degeneration and restore vision. pigmentosa, its underlying pathophysiology and the diagnostic steps taken by clinicians to recognise RP as well as the management of these patients.
Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is one of the major causes of blindness worldwide. It is caused by single or multiple breaks in the retina and is defined by the separation of the neurosensory retina from the retinal pigment epithelium (1). Treatment for these cases is time sensitive with many studies advising for treatment within 24 hours to improve visual outcomes, thus early recognition and management of these cases is important particularly in cases involving the macula. This article will discuss the clinical features associated with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, its underlying pathogenesis as well as the steps taken in managing patients with this condition.
Given the unpredictable situation of the COVID-19 pandemic it is unclear whether the interviews will be held face to face for the 2021/2022 recruitment round. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists are yet to release any guidance regarding this. In case the interviews are held online again, I have outlined some helpful information for applicants about how to prepare for a virtual interview process. I have included three areas which are important to think about prior to an online interview; the environment, how to present yourself and technology.
The eyes can be implicated in the initial presentation of COVID-19. Throughout the pandemic, a minority of cases have presented with ocular symptoms. At times, ocular complaints have also been found to precede respiratory complaints or be the only presenting complaint of COVID-19. Ocular complaints also appear to be possibly linked with more severe disease processes clinically and biochemically. Consequently, it is important to consider COVID-19 in patients with new conjunctivitis or ocular complaints.
This article aims to introduce visual impairment in a medical context to a target audience of medical students and junior doctors. The paper aims to depict what visual impairment is, present both global and national epidemiological data, as well as showcase the potential implications visual impairment and blindness have on affected individuals.