The amount of astigmatism reduction achieved at the intended meridian was significantly more favorable with the LRI technique, which remained consistent throughout the follow-up period.

No abstract

Disease- and treatment-related ocular complications are not infrequent in Takayasu arteritis. Arteritis involving the aortic arch and its branches favors the development of ischemic ocular complications.

This study assessed the risk factors driving the epidemic of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (COVID-Mucor) in Indiathat accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the second wave. We analysed the risk factors among 164 participants:132 COVID-Mucor(cases) and 32 non-COVID-Mucor(controls)using the data from a prospective cohort study of mucormycosis over oneyear. Diabetes mellitus remained a pivotal risk factor in both groups (97%) while uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (OR: 4.6; p=0.026)and newly detected diabetes (OR: 3.3; p=0.018), werecommoneramong the cases. Most patients with COVID-Mucor had mild COVID-19. Steroid use, often unwarranted, was highly associated with COVID-Mucorafter adjusting for other risk factors (OR 28.4; P 0.001). Serum ferritin was significantly higher(p=0.041), while C-reactive protein was not, suggesting that alterations in iron metabolism probably predispose to COVID-Mucor. Oxygen was used only in a small minority of patients with COVID-Mucor. The in-hospital mortality in both groups was low. In conclusion, the Indian COVID-Mucorepidemic was likely driven by a convergence of interlinked risk factors –uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, unwarranted steroid use, and perhapsCOVID-19 itself. Appropriate steroid use in patients with severe COVID-19 and screening and optimal control of hyperglycaemia can prevent COVID-Mucor.

In this pilot study, sensitivity of detection of CSME by photography was considerably better than for live-link telemedicine. This study tends to confirm the continued superiority of examination of the patient by an experienced ophthalmologist as the best method of screening for CSME, a sight threatening form of diabetic retinopathy.

No abstract

Restoration of flow in the aortic arch vessels may result in reversal of ischemic retinal changes in patients with Takayasu retinopathy.

A 32-year-old woman with history of inflammatory arthritis, presented with transient right focal seizures followed by blurred vision that resolved completely, two months prior to presentation to our hospital. A further short, self-limiting episode occurred two weeks later. On examination both upper limb blood pressures were not recordable. Systemic examination was otherwise normal. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 45mm at one hour, C-reactive protein was 10.4mg/L and anti-nuclear antibody was negative. Magnetic resonance angiogram revealed bilateral subclavian and common carotid artery stenosis, consistent with a diagnosis of Type I Takayasu arteritis. She underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with stenting of the right subclavian and right common carotid arteries. She was advised mycophenolate, tapering doses of prednisolone, aspirin, clopidogrel, fenfibrate and atorvastatin and sent for eye examination.