Article Archives - Page 11 of 22 - Journal of the Foundations of Ophthalmology

An Easy Approach for Direct Ophthalmoscopy In 8 Steps!

Post published:February 11, 2023
Reading time:8 mins read
Post author:Youstina Metry
Post category:Article

Direct ophthalmoscopy (fundoscopy) is a technique to examine the back of the eye. It is referred to as direct because the retinal image formed is erect/upright (1,2). This type of examination magnifies the retinal image inspected by approximately 15 times. Direct ophthalmoscopy is an extremely useful tool for detecting retinal, vascular, optic disc and choroidal pathologies. Hence, it has been an important form of examination that is not only taught to trainees but also to undergraduate medical students.

Cytomegalovirus Retinitis: An Overview

Post published:February 11, 2023
Reading time:11 mins read
Post author:Alice Ditchfield
Post category:Article

Alice Ditchfield Abstract Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis primarily affects immunocompromised individuals. It causes full-thickness retinal necrosis and viral inclusion bodies are seen in infected cells. Patients present with painless vision loss…

Acute Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma: An Overview

Post published:February 11, 2023
Reading time:6 mins read
Post author:Walid Raslan
Post category:Article

Angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) is a condition that leads to optic nerve neurodegeneration caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP). It’s an ophthalmic emergency that may cause irreversible visual impairment if left untreated. ACG causes can be classified into Primary and Secondary causes. This article will focus on Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG). In this article, we will briefly outline the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of acute PACG.

Visual Snow: An Unseen Problem

Post published:February 11, 2023
Reading time:4 mins read
Post author:Sarah Walker-Date
Post category:Article

Visual snow is a newly recognised condition that presents with debilitating visual symptoms. Historically, due to the lack of clinical criteria, many patients have been misdiagnosed or had a significant delay in diagnosis. This article is aimed at improving understanding and recognition of visual snow amongst clinicians.

My Top Tips for Presenting in a Conference

Post published:February 11, 2023
Reading time:5 mins read
Post author:Rubia Akhtar
Post category:Article

Presenting research in a medical conference can seemingly be a daunting task for many medical students and junior doctors. Medical conferences are, after all, attended by experts and specialists from the various fields which can be unnerving for the naïve presenter. However, for most doctors, who have an interest in research, delivering presentations in conferences is often inevitable. Here I present my top tips to consider when preparing an oral presentation at a medical conference.

Paediatric Cross-Linking in Keratoconus: A Clinical Audit

Post published:February 11, 2023
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.

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

Post published:February 11, 2023
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.

Introduction to Ophthalmic Surgery Course 2022-23 An Overview

Post published:February 11, 2023
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.

Preservative Free Intracameral Pilocarpine for Intraoperative Miosis

Post published:February 11, 2023
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.

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

Post published:February 11, 2023
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.