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Facial rejuvenation has become an important subject of psychosocial wellbeing in this era of fashion and beauty. Injectables offer an excellent non-surgical method of facial rejuvenation. Among which, botulinum toxin and soft tissue fillers are one of the most common and favorite tools for non-surgical rejuvenation.

In this article, we report on a new class of biodegradable piperazine-based aliphatic pH-responsive polyesters with tunable hydrophilicity. The aliphatic polyesters PC1-PC4 with high thermal stability up to 340 ℃ were synthesized by polycondensation of dimethyl 2,2’-(piperazin-1,4-diyl)diacetate with a series of alkane diols (C4 to C10). The resulting polyesters are found to be highly crystalline with ∼47-55% crystallinity as estimated from XRD and moderately hydrophilic as the water contact angle was found to be in the range of 63° - 72°. An N-alkylation or protonation approach was used to tune their crystallinity and hydrophilicity so as to enhance biodegradability. Upon quaternization with methyl iodide, a significant effect on functional and structural properties was observed with reduced crystallinity and enhanced hydrophilicity, as the contact angle decreased down to 24° upon methylation. The pH-responsive nature of the material was evaluated with zeta potential measurements, and the surface charge increased up to +41.4 mV with a more positive charge on the polymer backbone at pH 2 for polyester PC2. Further, microbial and hydrolytic degradation studies showed that the quaternized polyesters PC6 and PC9 exhibit faster degradation when compared to their parent polymer PC2, demonstrating their significance as a new class of biodegradable polyesters.

Nanocomposite GNR@VOS composed of V 2 O 5 nanostrips (VOS) embedded over graphene nanoribbons (GNR) is synthesized by facile hydrothermal route and examined as supercapacitor electrode. GNR as support in mere ∼15 wt% plays an important role in patterning the nanocomposite growth as a template. Selective formation of VOS leads to ordered growth and at the same time channelizes the microstructural (shape/size, porosity) as well electrochemical characteristics of the nanocomposite. GNR@VOS so formed is highly accessible electrode matrix in which the underlying GNR acts as conducting support to efficiently minimize the internal resistance (iR-drop) of the electrode. The study suggests that the conductive properties of VOS can be enhanced by integration with GNR displaying increased solid-state conductivity by two orders (bare VOS: 4.2 × 10 −4 S m −1 and GNR@VOS: 1.4 × 10 −2 S m −1 ). These attributes result in high energy density for GNR@VOS as 42.09 Wh kg −1 at power density 475 W kg −1 . The enhanced performance of GNR@VOS supercapacitor cell from low (1 A g −1 ) to high current density (20 A g −1 ) is attributed to the balanced ionic and electronic conduction.

The demand for facial rejuvenation has now spread from celebrites to common man. Complete facial rejuvenation not only refers to surgery, but also skin optimization. This is achieved via resurfacing to revitalize skin texture (using cosmoceuticals, lasers, chemical peels, dermabrasion), refilling depressions with fillers and fat transfer, and relaxing the muscles with botox to smooth wrinkles. The surgical component entails releasing and redraping descended facial tissues back to their original anatomical positions. In this article we shall discuss some of these minimally invasive modalities of facial

Evisceration and enucleation of the eye are commonly performed procedures in ophthalmic practice. Enucleation is the removal of the entire globe from the orbit that includes the separation of the extraocular muscles and optic nerve from the globe. Evisceration is removal of the intraocular contents, but leaving the scleral shell in the socket. Adequate volume replacement after these surgeries with the placement of an orbital implant is crucial for cosmetic and functional rehabilitation. This chapter discusses the surgical technique, types of orbital implants, and common complications of evisceration and enucleation.

In this article, we report on the preparation of novel D-galactose based hydrogels capable of forming a tunable matrix for biomedical applications. The water-soluble polymer, poly(6-O-methacryloyl-D-galactose) (PMAGal) was synthesized using 6-O-methacryloyl-1,2;3,4-di-O-isopropylidene-D-galactose (MAIpGal) monomer by free radical polymerization followed by acid hydrolysis. The polymeric hydrogels HG1, HG2.5 and HG5 were prepared by condensation of PMAGal with 1, 2.5 and 5 wt%, respectively of hexamethylene diisocyanate as crosslinker. The hydrogels exhibit porous morphology with pore size ranging from 4 to 20 µm as determined by FESEM. The influence of crosslinker content on thermal degradation, swelling ratio, morphology, and viscosity was evaluated. Gel swelling studies showed 526% water uptake by HG1, reduced to 453% in HG2.5, and 341% in HG5. HG1 loaded with the hydrophilic antibiotic drug gentamicin, showed up to 92% of drug release in 72 h in phosphate buffer solution. The Higuchi kinetic model suggests a diffusion mechanism is involved for drug release with correlation coefficient R2 > 0.99 for all three gels. The cytocompatibility of the material from MTT assay and live-dead test shows its potential toward various biomedical applications.

Naturally occurring sugar-based monomers are attractive substrates in the design of functional glycopolymers. In this study, we report on the development of D-galactose based organogels of varying crosslink density capable of selective adsorption of dyes and solvents. Free radical polymerization of 6-O-methacryloyl-1,2;3,4-di-O-isopropylidene-D-galactose in the presence of nonamethylene glycoldimethacrylate generated novel crosslinked polymers OG10, OG15 and OG20 with 10, 15 and 20 wt% crosslinker, respectively. Depending on the nature of the solvent, OG10 undergoes swelling upto 935%. The negative zeta potential, as determined from DLS measurements, and the gelation ability suggested the potential utility of the polymer for dye removal from water. OG10 displayed significant adsorption of rhodamine B (RhB) (>95%), crystal violet (>93%), and methylene blue (>70%) dyes as well as the selective adsorption of >90% RhB from a solution containing both RhB and methyl orange. These porous organogels are also found to be suitable for phase-selective removal of organic solvents.

We report a facile soft-template approach to develop polyaniline (PANI) nanostructures in various morphologies (nanotube, nanorod, nanosphere and nanosheet) by triggering the amount of N-cetyl-N,N,N-trimethyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant. The possible mechanistic pathways for the formation of PANI structures explain the occurrence of different growth patterns and the aggregation archetype of monomeric units in undertaken polymerization reaction. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller measurements reveal that PANI nanotube possess highest surface area (33.8 m 2 g −1 ) due to availability of hollow central portion, while the 1D ordered arrangement of aniline units significantly increase its conductivity (0.92 mS cm −1 ). Pseudocapacitive performance of these morphologically different PANI electrodes in all solid-state supercapacitor cells is studied using a solid electrolyte (PVA/H 2 SO 4 ). Electrochemical attributes of solid-state pseudocapacitor cells clearly indicate that nanotube exhibits highest specific capacitance (367 F g −1 at 5 mV s −1 ) among all PANI forms, and can be cycled successfully up to continuous 1000 GCD cycles retaining more than 91.5% capacitance in PVA/H 2 SO 4 electrolyte at high current density of 5 A g −1 .

A direct hydrothermal synthesis is reported to fabricate proficient carbon aerogel via raw sugarcane juice for energy storage. Sugarcane-derived carbon aerogel (SCA) exhibiting 3D interconnected meso/microporous structure reveals enhanced interlayer spacing (3.9 A) and large surface area (2000 m2 g−1) with low bulk density (0.10 g cm−3). High charge storage (385 F g−1 at 5 mV s−1) and rate performance (5–400 mV s−1) indicate that heteroatom(s) functionalized SCA endures good ion diffusion coefficient (D = 2.1 × 10−11 cm2 s−1). Furthermore, NiCo2O4/SCA nanocomposite is developed sonochemically wherein spinel NiCo2O4 nanoflakes are immobilized over SCA such that the basic skeleton (microporosity) and ion accessibility (D = 1.26 × 10−11 cm2 s−1) of SCA is preserved. Hierarchical deposition of NiCo2O4 over SCA affords fairly high surface area (150 m2 g−1) with specific capacitance 473 F g−1 at 5 mV s−1. The fabricated hybrid supercapacitor: SCA‖NiCo2O4/SCA displays more than twice energy as well power density (25 Wh kg−1, 6245 W kg−1) compared to symmetric cell: SCA‖SCA (10.4 Wh kg−1, 2378 W kg−1) owing to synergism of carbonaceous & pseudo components. The research entails first ever direct use of saccharide juice as carbon aerogel for supercapacitor technologies via facile synthesis without use of any toxic chemicals.

Introduction: The modified small-incision face-lift is a safe, effective, minimally invasive way to treat facial rhytidosis in carefully selected patients. The purpose of this study is to describe a modified small-incision face-lift technique. Materials and Methods: Institutional review board– approved retrospective case series. Results: Twenty-six patients underwent a modified small-incision face-lift. The average age of the patients was 62.1 years. Two patients developed hypertrophic scarring requiring surgical revision. There were no other complications, including infection, wound dehiscence, or flap necrosis. Patient satisfaction with the procedure was high. Conclusions: The modified short-scar face-lift is a safe and effective procedure that can be done in the office with or without sedation and requires less recovery time than traditional face-lift techniques.

One-dimensional (ID) nanofibers of polypyrrole (PPY) are fabricated on glass substrates in the presence of different dopants, namely, hydrochloric acid (HC1), ferric chloride (FeCl3·6H20), p-toluene sulfonic acid, camphor sulfonic acid, and polystyrene sulfonic acid using a simple in situ vapor phase chemical oxidative polymerization method. Preliminary morphological details investigated using light microscopic study reveal ID configuration for all the doped PPY structures, indicating a fibrous/tubular appearance. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy confirms preferential growth of these PPY structures as fine fibers arranged in a brush-/comb-like pattern, having an average diameter of 70 nm. Such brush-like growing pattern observed for the PPY nanostructures without the aid of nanoporous membranes and/or sophisticated techniques is not very commonly reported in the literature. The undertaken work suggests applications of nanodimensioned fabricated PPY structures in the practical nanodevices and/or functional glass for sensing, optoelectronic, photocatalysis, and solar energy systems.

Purpose: To report the diagnosis of a case of tubercular sclerouveitis, which masqueraded as an ocular tumor.Design: Case report.Methods: Retrospective medical chart review including serological, radiological, and histopathological investigative results.Results: A patient presented with recurrent episodes of sclerouveitis in his right eye. Serological investigations for infective and connective tissue disorders were negative. Radiological investigation was suggestive of a scleral perforation. The eye was enucleated and histopathological examination showed chronic inflammation. Polymerase chain reaction of the ocular tissue was positive for IS1160 for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.Conclusion: Infective scleritis should be suspected in cases of scleritis that progress despite treatment. Polymerase chain reaction is instrumental in diagnosing challenging cases.

Introduction:Laxity of the medial canthal tendon (MCT) is commonly encountered in clinical practice. The techniques described in the literature to correct MCT laxity often involve extensive dissection, with potential risk to the lacrimal system. We describe a simple and minimally invasive MCT repair in which the medial eyelid is secured to the anterior central portion of the MCT via a subcaruncular approach without disturbing the normal eyelid position or the lacrimal system.Materials and Methods:A retrospective analysis of 30 patients undergoing MCT repair in all 4 eyelids was performed. Eyelids with moderate to severe MCL laxity were treated by this technique.Results:Patient age ranged between 55 and 90 years, with a mean of 74.2 years. Upper lid distraction ranged from 8–20 mm (mean 13 mm). Lower lid distraction ranged from 14–30 mm (mean 23.4 mm). In 87% of patients, eyelid laxity diminished postoperatively, and 13% had incomplete correction of the laxity with recurrence of symptoms. Recurrence was attributed to sutures pulling through attenuated lax lids and to mechanical eyelid stretching caused by sleeping on the face and/or rubbing the eyes. After reoperation in 3 patients, the lids regained normal position and tone, and symptomatic improvement was noted. No patients had postoperative complications involving the lacrimal system with this approach.Conclusions:The described MCT repair technique is an anatomically simple approach for eyelids with moderate to severe MCT laxity; it may be useful for surgeons who otherwise would defer complex repair of the MCT.

Nanofibers of poly (indene-co-pyrrole) (CInPy) have been synthesized, using a facile chemical oxidative polymerization reaction. The effect of copolymerization was examined in view of the individually synthesized homopolymer nanostructures of polyindene (PIn) and polypyrrole (PPy). Morphological details of CInPy, studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy, (TEM) reveal the appearance of dense cottony mess, comprising of fine fibers with an average diameter of 5–10 nm. Chemical structural analysis of CInPy, conducted using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic techniques, reveals that both PIn and PPy are involved in the formation of copolymer organization. Fluorescence properties of nanosized copolymer are observed in the blue region, with emission λmax placed at 395 nm. Conductivity of copolymer nanofibers (2.4 × 10−3 S/cm) is consistent with the morphology and thermal stability properties of integral homo-polymers. Improved thermal stability and processability along with the enhanced optical and electrical properties of copolymer nanostructures outfit it as a better promising material in optoelectronic and light emitting nanodevices, with reference to nanosized PIn and PPy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

One-dimensional (1D) nanostructures of fused ring polymeric systems: polyindene (PIn) and polyindole (PInd) were fabricated onto glass substrates using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Morphology of fabricated PIn and PInd structures studied using Olympus microscope reveals formation of 1D straight tubular, smooth and fluorescent nanostructures. The results obtained were further correlated with scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies of PIn and PInd nanostructures, indicating appearance of fine nanothread entangled network (having diameter ∼ 50 nm) for PIn, and well-defined, straight and aligned nanotubes (having diameter ∼ 60 nm) for PInd. A comparative study on the morphology/dimensions of fabricated PIn and PInd nanostructures with the nanosized PIn and PInd structures obtained by oxidative synthetic routes is also discussed. The structural composition of fabricated PIn and PInd nanostructures is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thereby indicating existence of all infrared markers corresponding to the characteristic bands present in PIn and PInd. The study suggests that the fabricated PIn and PInd nanodimensional structures may find potential applications in the field of nanotechnology.

In the present investigation, we have synthesized one-dimensional (1D) polyindene (PIn) nanofibers and explored their optical, spectral, chemical as well as thermal stability properties. The PIn nanofibers were synthesized using a cationic polymerization reaction of indene with sulphuric acid. The morphological details of synthesized PIn have been studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) which reveals the formation of smooth and uniform 1D nanofibers of PIn with diameter of ~100 nm. The composition of PIn nanofibers was determined by elemental analysis and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The structural chemical identity of PIn nanofibers was examined using uv-visible (UV-Vis), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic measurements. UV-Vis absorption spectroscopic study of PIn nanostructures shows a band at 325 nm, attributed to the formation of indanyl and dimer cation, which helped in growing the PIn molecular chain. Fluorescence emission spectrum of PIn nanofibers was obtained in blue light region with the emission band λmax placed at 430 nm. The thermal stability characteristics of PIn nanofibers studied using thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) suggest that PIn nanofibers are stable upto 200 °C. The electrical conductivity (EC) of PIn nanofibers at the room temperature is 1.73 x10−4 S/cm. The work proposes technological applications of PIn nanofibers in the field of nanoscience, especially in optoelectronics.

Nanostructures of polypyrrole (PPy) were synthesized in the presence of different dopants including hydrochloric acid (HCl), ferric chloride (FeCl3), p-toluene sulfonic acid (p-TSA), camphor sulfonic acid (CSA), and polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSSA), using a simple interfacial oxidative polymerization method. The method is a reliable non-template approach with relatively simple instrumentation, ease of synthesis, and economic viability for synthesizing PPy nanostructures. Morphology of synthesized PPy structures was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which indicate the formation of one-dimensional (1D) nanofibers with average diameter of 75–180 nm. Energy dispersive spectrum (EDS) of the PPy nanofibers indicates the attachment of the dopants to the PPy backbone; the fact is further confirmed by the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of PPy nanostructures. Thermal stabilities of the nanostructures explored using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) follow the order PPy-p-TSA > CSA > HCl > FeCl3 > PSSA. It is noticed that the electrical conductivity (EC) of PPy nanostructures depends upon the nature of dopant (PPy-p-TSA > CSA > HCl > FeCl3 > PSSA), PPy-p-TSA nanofibers showing the highest EC of 6 × 10−2 Scm−1. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

It has been established by the researchers that owing to the arching effect, the active earth pressure distribution on a horizontally translating rigid wall is not triangular but nonlinear. This is attributed to the arching behavior exhibited by soil. Also, the shape of the failure surface plays a critical role in determining the magnitude of lateral stresses and the height at which the resultant active earth force is centered from the base of the wall. In the present study, various combinations of shapes of critical failure surface and arch shapes were studied to estimate the coefficient of active earth pressure on the rigid retaining wall in cohesionless soil. The results were compared with field results and those predicted by other theories. A critical review has been made based on the comparison of results obtained from the present analyses with experimental observations. Design charts for modified active earth pressure coefficient and height of application of lateral force have also been suggested.

Anthracene based nano/microstructures of different sizes and shapes like tubes/fibers are synthesized using a simple open air chemical vapor deposition technique. Thermal solid phase reaction between anthracene 9-carboxylic acid and calcium oxide reported recently [H. Liu et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.125, 10794 (2003)] is used to obtain organic molecular nanostructures. The products of temperature (320 °C) induced reaction get deposited on the substrates placed inside the reaction chamber as well as on the inner walls in different nano/micrometer forms, tubes/rods/fibers and having different sizes. Structural characterization of the reaction products is performed using optical microscopy, field emission electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Chemical composition studies are conducted using infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and gas chromatography (GC)-Mass spectroscopy, as well as elemental analysis. IR studies of the nanostructures obtained on the substrate using IR spectroscopy reveal the presence of C=O groups, the confirmatory evidence of which is obtained using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopic (EDS) analysis. Interaction study of the C=O groups with ammonia vapor is conducted and resulting changes are monitored using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). A strong covalent modification of anthracene based structures by exposure to ammonia molecules is indicated.

An investigative infrared spectroscopic study is undertaken of nano polyaniline (PANI) samples differing in size and morphology in order to explore the sensitivity of spectral behavior on these factors. IR spectroscopy is used for studying the changes in the interaction between polymeric molecules as parts of nanodimensional structures. A time dependent interfacial oxidative polymerization of aniline monomer is conducted in order to obtain the desired nano PANI samples in doped form. The morphological changes in samples so obtained are characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM images of samples obtained using the time dependent interfacial polymerization show preferential formation of 1D nano/micro structures with dimensions varying with reaction time intervals, which is also confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). X-ray diffraction study is undertaken to assess the crystalline nature of the samples. The IR spectra and the X-ray diffraction pattern of samples reflect these morphological variations. A comparative study of bulk polyaniline sample obtained using standard procedures is also undertaken. Significant variations in the conductivity of different polyaniline samples are also observed. The 10 min sample shows significantly enhanced conductivity as compared to the 20 min and 24 h. PANI samples having well defined nanofibers.

This article describes the synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanoring embedded graphene nanoribbons. Patterned holes (mesopore dia.) in graphene nanoribbons are chemically generated, leading to a high density of the edge planes. These planes carry negatively charged surface groups (like -COOH and -OH) and therefore anchor the metal ions in a cordial fashion forming a string of metal ions along the edge planes. These strings of imbibed metal ions precipitate as tiny ZnO nanorings over lacey graphene nanoribbons. The thus obtained graphene nanoribbon (GNR) based hierarchical ZnO mesoporous structures are three dimensionally accessible to the electrolyte and demonstrate high performance in capacitive energy storage. The ZnO/GNR nanocomposite electrode in an asymmetric supercapacitor device with lacey reduced graphene oxide nanoribbons (LRGONRs) as a negative electrode exhibits a 2.0 V potential window in the aqueous electrolyte and an ultra-short time constant (0.08 s). The wide potential window consequently increased the energy density from 6.8 Wh kg(-1) (ZnO/GNR symmetric) to 9.4 Wh kg(-1) (ZnO/GNR||LRGONR asymmetric). The relaxation time constant obtained for the asymmetric supercapacitor device was three orders of magnitude less compared to the ZnO (symmetric, 33 s) supercapacitor device. The high cycling stability of ZnO/GNR||LRGONR up to 96.7% capacitance retention, after 5000 GCD cycles at 2 mA cm(-2), paves the way to a high performance aqueous electrochemical supercapacitive energy storage.

Inclined anchors are widely used in a variety of civil engineering problems to resist oblique loads, most relevant being in transmission towers and in rocks and dams for structural strengthening. In the present study, the breakout resistance of the inclined anchors in sand has been worked out using limit equilibrium approach. The breakout resistance has been calculated for different soil friction angles with varying relative depth ratio and anchor inclination. The break out factor increases continuously with the inclination of the anchor. A comparison of predicted values of break out resistance of anchors by the proposed analysis with the experimental values as reported by the other researchers showed reasonably good agreement.

Load displacement response and ultimate resistance of piles in sand under uplift load are predicted by load transfer approach. The pile is divided into number of segments and assigned geometrical and material properties according to actual soil pile situation. The shaft resistance is obtained analytically in accordance with existing studies. The proposed method takes into account the length, diameter and relevant surface characteristics of pile and soil properties. The load displacement characteristics and the value of uplift capacity of vertical piles from field test have been predicted. Reasonable agreement has been found out between predicted and observed values of uplift capacity. Load transfer mechanism is capable of predicting the nonlinear variation of load-displacement response of piles.

Free-standing cantilever sheet pile walls in cohesionless soils subjected to horizontal line load have traditionally been analyzed assuming full active and passive earth pressure mobilization on the sides of the embedded portion of the wall. In the conventional analysis, the vertical equilibrium of forces is not checked and the effect of the wall friction angle is neglected because of the assumption of a smooth wall. In the present study, the limit equilibrium method has been used to estimate the minimum penetration depth required for a free-standing cantilever sheet pile wall subjected to horizontal line load, by considering the effect of wall friction angle, thereby satisfying all equilibrium conditions and considering the partial mobilization of earth pressures depending on the type and magnitude of the wall movement. The variation of earth pressure mobilization has been taken as a function of the displacement (rotation about both the top and the bottom) of the cantilever sheet pile wall, which in turn also governs the mobilized friction angles. A comparison has been made between the results of penetration depths obtained by the present study and those obtained by existing conventional solutions. New design values in nondimensional form are proposed.Key words: wall friction angle, partial earth pressure mobilization, cohesionless soil, penetration depth, equilibrium equations, displacement.

The evolving shift towards less invasive procedures for aesthetic facial rejuvenation naturally demands a more sophisticated understanding of facial anatomy. The outcome of any surgical or nonsurgical procedure can be optimized with a detailed understanding of the anatomical framework. An artistic and logical appreciation of the anatomical facial structures and their morphological variations is important in choosing and performing any procedure. This chapter highlights the practical anatomy of the upper and midface relevant to oculofacial cosmetic surgery.

Purpose The aim of this study was to introduce the use of the 18-gauge hypodermic needle as a simple and cost-effective alternative tool in frontalis silicone suspension ptosis surgery. Methods A retrospective, interventional, noncomparative case study was performed by reviewing 64 patients (82 eyes) who underwent this technique between February 2010 and January 2011. Patients with simple, severe congenital ptosis with poor levator excursion were included in the study. Patients with prior sling and levator resection surgery were excluded. All patients underwent unilateral or bilateral frontalis sling surgery with a silicone rod placed via a closed-incision pentagonal configuration. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon at a tertiary referral institute using the 1.5 inch hypodermic 18-gauge needle as an insertion guide for the silicone rod. Intraoperative technique, ease of surgical maneuverability, operative time, and postoperative results and complications were noted. Results The mean patient age was 10.3 years (range: 1-28 years). Fifty-six of 64 patients (87.5%) were between the ages of 1 and 18 years (mean: 8.5 years), and 8 of 64 (12.5%) between 9 and 28 years (mean: 23 years). Forty-two of 64 (65.7 %) patients were female and 22 of 64 (34.4%) were male. Forty-six of 64 (71.9%) patients underwent unilateral frontalis sling surgery and 18 of 64 (28.1%) patients underwent bilateral surgery. Follow up ranged from 12 to 18 months. In 2 of the 82 eyes (2.4%), the sharp end of the needle cut the silicone rod while introducing the needle from the medial suprabrow stab incision to the eyelid margin end in a closed technique, requiring replacement of the silicone rod. Average surgical time was 15 minutes for unilateral cases and 30 minutes for bilateral cases. The main advantages noted intraoperatively were the small incisions that allowed for less operative time and minimal bleeding, easy maneuverability and control of the needle during tissue passage, and smooth threading of the silicone rod. Blunting of the tip is also eliminated as the needles are disposable. Conclusions The 18-gauge hypodermic needle is a simple and cost-effective alternative to other needles used in frontalis silicone sling ptosis surgery. Its low cost and easy accessibility make it a particularly quick and useful option in community-based practices, tertiary referral centers, and large medical eye camps globally.

We report a case of acute, bilateral and severe vision loss after inadvertent consumption of a large quantity of the homoeopathic medication Arnica-30. Severe vomiting which required hospitalization preceded visual symptoms. In the acute stage, pupillary responses to light were absent and fundus examination was normal. Vision loss followed a fluctuating course, with profound loss noted after 6 weeks along with bilateral optic disc pallor. Neuro-ophthalmic examination and detailed investigations were performed, including magnetic resonance imaging, electroretinography (ERG) and visual evoked potentials (VEP). Ocular coherence tomography (OCT) showed gross thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer. While a differential diagnosis of posterior ischemic optic neuropathy was kept in mind, these findings supported a diagnosis of bilateral toxic optic neuropathy. Arnica-30 is popularly used to accelerate wound healing, including after oculoplastic surgery. While homeopathic medicines are generally considered safe due to the very low concentrations involved, Arnica-30 may be neurotoxic if consumed internally in large quantities.

Intraorbital foreign bodies are usually the result of accidental trauma and can lead to considerable morbidity. We report an unusual case of an industrial injury in a plastic manufacturing unit wherein hot molten plastic splashed and solidified inside the orbit. The resultant increased intraorbital pressure led to loss of vision in that eye. The extreme temperature of the foreign body caused extensive thermal damage to the surrounding adnexal structures. Staged reconstructive surgery was undertaken to repair the damage, with an acceptable final cosmetic outcome. Employment of protective eye wear to prevent such accidents in high-risk occupations should be made mandatory.