Prevalence and Pattern of Eye Disorders Among Primary Schoolchildren in Abakaliki, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background A child's learning ability depends on vision, and visual impairment negatively affects neurological, intellectual, and emotional development by limiting children's exposure to a range of experiences and information. This study aims to determine the prevalence and pattern of ocular morbidity among primary schoolchildren in Abakaliki and provide evidence that can be used in planning a school eye health program for the state. Methodology A school-based, cross-sectional study was conducted within the Abakaliki metropolis between January and April 2018 to determine the ocular health status of schoolchildren recruited using stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) and presented using descriptive statistics. Univariate analysis was performed to determine the association between dependent and independent variables, with the level of significance determined by a p-value <0.05 (95% confidence interval (CI)). Results A total of 553 schoolchildren aged 6-16 years were examined. The prevalence of eye disorders was 23.5%. Common disorders included refractive error (12.7%) and allergic eye disease (7.1%). Other findings included glaucoma suspect (15, 2.7%), infective conjunctivitis (1, 0.2%), amblyopia (3, 0.5%), cataract (1, 0.2%), and squint (1, 0.2%). The prevalence of visual impairment was 3.1%. Univariate analysis showed a significant association between ocular morbidity and attending private schools (95% CI = 6.5-11.1, p = 0.003). Conclusions Eye disorders such as uncorrected refractive error and allergic conjunctivitis were common among schoolchildren. School eye health programs can ensure that eye screening is done periodically, allowing for early detection, referral, and prompt treatment of eye diseases that can potentially cause visual impairment.

EFFECTIVENESS OF TEACHERS IN THE DETECTION OF EYE DISORDERS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN ABAKALIKI METROPOLIS, EBONYI STATE NIGERIA

Background

Schoolteachers who have knowledge on eye diseases can detect early children with eye disorders and refer them promptly to an eye specialist. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of teachers in a vision screening program for primary school children in Abakaliki.

Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 20 randomly selected primary schoolteachers in Abakaliki to screen for vision abnormalities and detect eye problems among 350 children from 5 schools. Teachers participated in a 2-day training using a modified training algorithm on vision screening using a Snellen's chart and in the identification of common ocular abnormalities. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 26 statistical program and a p-value of <0.05 at 95% confidence level was statistically significant.

Results

A total of 379 children were enrolled into the study however, 350 (92.3%) children participated in the study. School teachers correctly identified 283 (92.8%) children who had normal vision and 33(73.3%) who had impaired vision. Overall 60 (17.1%) children with perceived eye defects were referred to the ophthalmologist for re-examination. Refractive error and allergic conjunctivitis were the most common eye problems identified and children with refractive error and other ocular morbidity were referred to the base hospital.

Conclusion

Teachers are a valuable resource in the detection of eye disorders among school children. Their effectiveness can be further enhanced by regular training, and collaboration with eye care professionals. Addressing these limitations through policy implementation can lead to better eye health outcomes for school children in Nigeria.

Distribution of phthisis bulbi and status of fellow eyes at a tertiary eye-care centre in Nigeria: a ten-year review

BACKGROUND

Phthisis bulbi is an irreversible cause of visual loss with insufficient evidence about its aetiology and status of patients' fellow eyes.

OBJECTIVES

To identify the distribution of patients with phthisis bulbi and determine the status of their fellow eyes at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

METHODS

We analysed data retrospectively retrieved from medical records of patients diagnosed with phthisis bulbi at initial clinic visit from January 2008 to December 2017. Information abstracted included biodata, laterality of phthisical eye, duration and aetiology of phthisis bulbi, visual acuity, and morbidities present in fellow eyes.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients presented with unilateral phthisis bulbi. The mean age was 51±21.2 years and forty (50.6%) were males. The commonest aetiologies of phthisis bulbi were trauma 37 (46.8%), infection 17 (21.5%) and uveitis/inflammation 11 (13.9%). Seventy (88.6%) patients had morbidities in their fellow eye such as glaucoma 26 (32.9%), refractive errors 23 (29.1%) and cataract 22 (27.9%). Forty (50.6%) patients were either visually impaired or blind in their fellow eye (p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

The commonest cause of phthisis bulbi was trauma. Approximately nine out of ten patients had ocular morbidities in their fellow eye. A thorough follow-up of patients with phthisis bulbi is recommended.

Myeloid Sarcoma of the Orbit Preceding Acute Myeloid Leukaemia: A Diagnostic Challenge

Objective: Myeloid sarcoma is a rare form of acute myeloid leukaemia characterized by extramedullary proliferation of myeloid blasts which can occur as an isolated lesion in any organ. Even rarer it may occur in the orbit as the initial presentation without a leukaemic phase and diagnosis may be challenging when it is not suspected.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Methods: We report a case of orbital myeloid sarcoma as the initial presentation of acute myeloid leukaemia in an adult who was misdiagnosed and treated as a case of a pseudotumour with resultant significant disease progression and worsening of the clinical condition. There was a lag of four months from the onset of eye mass to the development of acute myeloid leukaemia. Result: Due to patients worsening condition and tumour progression, a repeat biopsy for a second histology opinion at a different facility, immunophenotyping and immunohistochemistry were employed to arrive at the correct diagnosis. Following chemotherapy, the orbital mass reduced markedly and clinical condition improved. The patient was indigent and could not sustain further funding of his treatment because he had already spent much on for management of complications he developed before a definitive diagnosis could be made. Conclusion: Myeloid sarcoma can present as an orbital mass without a leukemic disease. Therefore a high index of suspicion, meticulous examination of biopsy, immunohistochemistry and collaboration between oncologists and ophthalmologists, are required to arrive at an early accurate diagnosis.

Rhabdomyoblastic differentiation in rosai dorfman disease of the orbit in a 12-year-old male

Extranodal Rosai-Dorfman disease involving the orbit has been reported severally with extensive discourse on management strategies. However, rhabdomyoblastic differentiation coexisting with the disease is yet unreported. We present the clinical and histopathological features of a 12-year-old boy presenting with both. A 12-year-old boy was referred to our Ophthalmic Plastic Surgical Service with a 5-year history of bilateral, progressively enlarging eyelid, orbital masses causing proptosis, and severe cosmetic blemish. He had suffered vision loss to the right eye following trauma 2 years prior to the onset of the disease. Computed tomography of the orbits revealed preseptal and intraorbital components of well-defined multi-lobulated masses in both orbits. No significant nodal involvement was noted. He underwent excision biopsy of the tumor in both eyes performed 1 month apart. A histopathologic diagnosis of the Rosai-Dorfman disease with focal areas of rhabdomyoblastic differentiation was made. He was treated postoperatively with a course of oral steroids with close observation for the rhabdomyoblastic differentiation. Rosai-Dorfman disease is an uncommon disease and has been reported to coexist with other pathologies. We highlight focal myoblastic differentiation within the excised tissues which may not necessarily warrant a diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma. Long-term follow-up of this patient is required to establish the safety of observation.

Outcomes in paediatric external dacryocystorhinostomy: a single-centre experience

PURPOSE

To report the outcomes of external dacryocystorhinostomy (Ext DCR) in paediatric patients.

METHODS

A single-centre, retrospective, interventional, non-comparative case series was performed on all paediatric patients who underwent Ext DCR between July 2010 and July 2014. Surgery was performed as per standard Ext DCR protocols with only anterior flap suturing. Data collected include demographics, clinical presentations, primary diagnosis, associated systemic anomalies, past interventions, indications for the surgery, use of adjuvants, intraoperative and post-operative complications, aetiology of DCR failure, anatomical and functional successes.

RESULTS

135 eyes of 114 children underwent Ext DCR during the study period. Mean age was 9.68 ± 4.36 years and epiphora was the most common presentation (92.5%, 125/135). Persistent congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction refractory to earlier interventions of probing or intubation was the most common indication for the surgery noted in 57% (77/135). Adjuvants like mitomycin C and intubation were used in 70% (95/135) and 72% (98/135) of the surgeries, respectively. At a 6-month follow-up, anatomical and functional successes were noted in 91.1% (124/135) and 90.3% (123/135), respectively. 12 eyes showed anatomical failure and one eye showed functional failure. The most common cause of DCR failure was a complete cicatricial closure of the ostium (83.4%, 10/12).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that Ext DCR is a safe surgery for paediatric populations with a high success rates of beyond 90%.

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery in pediatric Marfan syndrome

PURPOSE

To report femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery in pediatric Marfan syndrome.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

A 10-year-old boy with ectopia lentis due to Marfan syndrome underwent femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (Catalys Precision Laser System; OptiMedica, Sunnyvale, CA) under general anesthesia. Anterior capsulotomy was performed on the decentered lens. Routine irrigation/aspiration devices were used for lens and cortex removal. Centration of the capsular bag was achieved using a Cionni scleral fixation ring. A foldable intraocular lens was implanted. A free-positioned and precise sized capsulotomy was cut by the femtosecond laser. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed within the 10 weeks of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a femtosecond laser has potential to perform a circular, well-centered capsulotomy for subsequent capsular tension ring and intraocular lens implantation without decentration in patients with Marfan syndrome.