Search

Context: In India, refractive errors are a major cause of treatable blindness. Population surveys in southern India have shown prevalence of high myopia to be 4.32-4.54%. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) caused by pathologic myopia is beneficial. Aims: To report the 24 months outcome of PDT with verteporfin for subfoveal CNV caused by pathologic myopia in Indian eyes Settings and Design: Prospective case series Materials and Methods: Review of prospectively collected data of Indian patients with pathologic myopia and subfoveal CNV treated with verteporfin therapy between 2001 and 2005 using standard regimen for PDT. Statistical Analysis Used: Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to see the difference in the mean letter acuity at intervals compared to baseline. Kaplan Meier Survival analysis was done to estimate the success rate of verteporfin therapy for CNV caused by pathologic myopia. Results: Fifteen patients (15 eyes) treated with standard fluence PDT and who had completed 24 months follow-up were analyzed. The mean spherical equivalent was -13.36 ± 5.88 diopter. Five out of 15 eyes in six months, three out of 15 eyes at 12 months and four eyes out of 15 at 24 months had improved vision by > 10 letters. The mean number of treatment session was 2.2 in two years. Conclusions: PDT with verteporfin for subfoveal CNV caused by pathologic myopia in Indian eyes is effective.

Background:Posterior vitrectomy facilities are lacking in Sub Sahara Africa due to paucity of trained personnel in vitreo retinal subspecialty. More cases are seen needing vitrectomy, especially cases with vitreous opacities and complications of cataract surgery as more residents are being trained. The review will aim to determine whether vitrectomy facility should be a priority as part of ophthalmic facility in the region.Method:A 3 year review was carried out. All cases of posterior vitrectomy performed at the retinal unit of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Africa between 2008 and 20011 were retrieved. Indications, and visual outcome were documented. Proportions and percentages were used to analyse the data.Results:Sixty six posterior vitrectomies were performed during the period. The most common indication for vitrectomy was vitreous hemorrhage n=30 [45.5%].Complication of cataract surgery such as dropped intraocular lens 7 [10.7%], sclera fixated intra ocular lens 6 [9.2%], and dropped nucleus 5 [7.5%] were emerging indications. Other indications noted include complicated retinal detachments 4 (6.1%), membranectomy for posterior capsule opacity from pediatric cataract surgery 3 (4.5%) and congenital lens subluxation 2 (3.0%). Improved visual outcome was noted after surgery. Forty nine [75%] eyes were blind [visual acuity of < 3/60] before vitrectomy. This proportion dropped to 24 [37%] after vitrectomy with an additional 24% regaining navigational vision [visual acuity of 3/60 to Counting fingers at 1meter] .Conclusion:Vitrectomy should be an integral part of eye care and its availability should be made a priority in ophthalmic facilities of Sub Sahara Africa, especially those involved in ophthalmology training.