ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of EyeSi surgical simulators on posterior capsule rupture (PCR) rates of cataract surgery performed by first and second year trainee surgeons.DesignA Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ National Ophthalmology Database audit study of first and second year surgeons’ PCR rates over seven consecutive National Health Service (NHS) years. Participating centres were contacted to ascertain the date when their surgeons had access to an EyeSi machine and whether this was on-site or off-site. Operations were classified as before, after or no access to EyeSi.SettingThe study took place in 29 NHS Ophthalmology Units in a secondary care setting.ResultsTwo-hundred and sixty five first and second year trainee surgeons performed 17 831 cataract operations. 6919 (38.8%) operations were performed before access to an EyeSi, 8648 (48.5%) after access to an EyeSi and 2264 (12.7%) operations by surgeons with no access to an EyeSi. Overall, there was a 38% reduction in the first and second year surgeon’s unadjusted PCR rates from 4.2% in 2009 to 2.6% in 2015 for surgeons with access to an EyeSi, and a 3% reduction from 2.9% to 2.8% for surgeons without access to an EyeSi. The overall first and second year unadjusted PCR rates for before, after and no access to EyeSi were 3.5%, 2.6% and 3.8%, respectively. The decrease in the with-access to an EyeSi group PCR rate was similar for surgeons with access to an EyeSi ‘on site’ or ‘off site’.ConclusionsFirst and second year trainee surgeons’ unadjusted PCR rates have decreased since 2009 which has significant benefits for patients undergoing cataract surgery. This 38% reduction in complication rates aligns with the introduction of EyeSi simulator training.
Aim
To estimate how many children in mainstream primary schools have cerebral visual impairment (CVI)‐related vision problems and to investigate whether some indicators might be useful as red flags, if they were associated with increased risk for these problems.
Method
We conducted a survey of primary school children aged 5 to 11 years, using whether they were getting extra educational help and/or teacher‐ and parent‐reported behaviour questionnaires to identify children at risk for CVI. These and a random 5% sample were assessed for CVI‐related vision problems. We compared the usefulness of potential red flags using likelihood ratios.
Results
We received questionnaires on 2298 mainstream‐educated children and examined 248 children (152 [61%] males, 96 females [39%]; mean age 8y 1mo, SD 20mo, range 5y 6mo–11y 8mo). We identified 78 out of 248 children (31.5% of those examined, 3.4% of the total sample), who had at least one CVI‐related vision problem. The majority (88%) were identified by one or more red flag but none were strongly predictive. Fewer than one in five children with any CVI‐related vision problem had reduced visual acuity.
Interpretation
Children with CVI‐related vision problems were more prevalent than has been appreciated. Assessment of at‐risk children may be useful so that opportunities to improve outcomes for children with CVI‐related vision problems are not missed.
Congenital cataract is a leading cause of visual disability in children. Inherited isolated (non-syndromic) cataract represents a significant proportion of cases and the identification of genes responsible for inherited cataract will lead to a better understanding of the mechanism of cataract formation at the molecular level both in congenital and age-related cataract. Crystallins are abundantly expressed in the developing human lens and represent excellent candidate genes for inherited cataract. A genome-wide search of a five-generation family with autosomal dominant lamellar cataract demonstrated linkage to the 17p12-q11 region. Screening of the CRYBA1/3 gene showed a 3 bp deletion, which resulted in a G91del mutation within the tyrosine corner, that co-segregated with disease and was not found in 96 normal controls. In order to understand the molecular basis of cataract formation, the mutant protein was expressed in vitro and its unfolding and refolding characteristics assessed using far-UV circular dichroism spectroscopy. Defective folding and a reduction in solubility were found. As the wild-type protein did not refold into the native conformation following unfolding, a corresponding CRYBB2 mutant was genetically engineered and its refolding characteristics analysed and compared with wild-type CRYBB2. Its biophysical properties support the hypothesis that removal of the glycine residue from the tyrosine corner impairs the folding and solubility of beta-crystallin proteins. This study represents the first comprehensive description of the biophysical consequences of a mutant beta-crystallin protein that is associated with human inherited cataract.
The optimal method of maintaining an airway and ventilating an OHCA patient has yet to be established. Prehospital tracheal intubation for OHCA is associated with significant complications and may reduce survival. The use of tracheal intubation as a routine intervention should be reconsidered. Ambulance services should consider adopting alternative strategies in airway management.
Rectus muscle trauma is proposed as a complication of sub-Tenon's local anaesthesia and caution is advised to operators to clearly identify the sub-Tenon's space for injection of local anaesthetic.
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