Quarantine-related depression and anxiety during coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak

Introduction

Psychological well-being has an important impact on individuals. In the face of the health threat of COVID-19, psychological changes as fear stress anxiety and depression is reported.

Objectives

Explore the prevalence of depression and anxiety among people under quarantine during the COVID-19 outbreak in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of 65 participants who were quarantined at multiple hotels under the supervision of the Saudi Ministry of Health. The patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) and generalized anxiety disorder questionnaire (GAD-7) were used to assess depression and anxiety.

Results

The majority of the participants were male (66.2%), aged 18–29 (47.7%) from the Eastern region (66.15%), who were still waiting for the result of the COVID-19 test (64.6%). Approximately half of the sample had depressive and anxiety symptoms (49.2% and 44.6%, respectively). The depression mean score was significantly higher only among the 18–29 age group. However, the depression and anxiety mean scores were higher among females than males and among participants with positive COVID-19 test results compared to those who had pending or negative results. The anxiety mean score was higher during the first week of quarantine, but the depression mean score was higher during later weeks.

Conclusions

Depression and anxiety were prevalent among people in quarantine during the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in Saudi Arabia. It is crucial to study the most effective interventions to reduce the psychological consequences, especially for vulnerable groups. Longitudinal research studies need to be conducted to follow up regarding participants’ mental health symptoms and evidence-based interventions.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

[Influence of cataract surgery on Meibomian gland dysfunction (French translation of the article)]

PURPOSE

To evaluate the influence of cataract surgery on meibomian gland dysfunction, in particular on postoperative functional symptoms.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty patients who underwent cataract surgery were included in the study. A clinical examination (OSDI questionnaire, measurement of tear break up time [TBUT], corneal staining, meibomian gland expressibility test) and a paraclinical evaluation (loss of Meibomius glands [LMG] measured using ImageJ on meibography, conjunctival redness and non-invasive tear break up time [NIK-BUT]) were performed preoperatively and at 1 month and 3 months after phacoemulsification.

RESULTS

TBUT and meibomian gland expressibility were worsened at 1 month and 3 months postoperatively (P<0.05). LMG was significantly more important for the upper eyelid and the mean at 1 month (33.1±15.2 P=0.02; 28.5±15.6 P=0.025, respectively) and 3 months postoperatively (36.5±17.4 P=0.0005; 31.2±17.4 P=0.0002, respectively) than preoperative values (29.4±15.3; 26±15, respectively). There was a significant correlation between LMG on the upper eyelid preoperatively and the OSDI score at 1 month postoperatively (R=0.37; P=0.05).

CONCLUSION

The meibomian gland loss in the upper eyelid is associated with an increased postoperative ocular discomfort score. Alterations in the meibomian gland expressibility and TBUT persist for up to 3 months postoperatively suggesting a direct role of cataract surgery by an obstructive mechanism.

Influence of cataract surgery on Meibomian gland dysfunction

PURPOSE

To evaluate the influence of cataract surgery on Meibomian gland dysfunction, in particular on postoperative functional symptoms.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty patients who underwent cataract surgery were included in the study. A clinical examination (OSDI questionnaire, measurement of tear break-up time (TBUT), corneal staining, Meibomian gland expression test) and a paraclinical evaluation (Meibomian gland loss [MGL] measured using ImageJ on Meibography, conjunctival hyperemia and non-invasive keratograph break-up time [NIK-BUT]) were performed preoperatively and at 1month and 3months after phacoemulsification.

RESULTS

TBUT and Meibomian gland expressibility were worsened at 1month and 3months postoperatively (P<0.05). MGL was significantly higher for the upper eyelid and the mean at 1month (33.1±15.2, P=0.02; 28.5±15.6, P=0.025, respectively) and 3months postoperatively (36.5±17.4, P=0.0005; 31.2±17.4, P=0.0002, respectively) than preoperative values (29.4±15.3; 26±15, respectively). There was a significant correlation between MGL on the upper eyelid preoperatively and the OSDI score at 1month postoperatively (R=0.37; P=0.05).

CONCLUSION

Meibomian gland loss in the upper eyelid is associated with an increased early postoperative ocular discomfort score. Alterations in Meibomian gland expressibility and TBUT persist for up to 3months postoperatively, suggesting a direct role of cataract surgery by an obstructive mechanism.

[The search for electrophysiological predictors of visual comfort after presbyopia correction with contact lenses]

Starting at 40 years of age, prespyopia affects a quarter of the world population. Many techniques of presbyopia surgery have emerged in recent years. The purpose of this study was to compare monovision and multifocality and to identify clinical and electrophysiological predictive markers of visual comfort for each correction available in clinical practice. Ten presbyopic patients participated in this study. Patients received monovision and multifocal correction using contact lenses for three weeks each in a random order. A clinical evaluation (visual acuity, TNO test, binocular contrast sensitivity and quality of vision questionnaires) and an electrophysiological evaluation (monocular and binocular pattern VEP with multiple spatial frequencies: 60, 30 and 15') were performed before and after each correction modality. The P100 was significantly wider and slightly earlier after binocular compared to monocular stimulation at T0. The TNO stereopsis score decreased significantly after correction. No other significant differences, either on clinical or electrophysiological criteria, were found between the two modes of correction. Several significant correlations were found between the stereoacuity difference depending upon correction and evoked potentials by binocular pattern at T0. The larger the stereoacuity difference (better stereoacuity with multifocal compensation), the longer the latency of the P100 using 60' checks (R=0.82; P=0.004) and the greater the amplitude of the N75 using 30' (R=0.652; P=0.04). Our study found no differences between the 2 types of correction, but it highlights a benefit of VEP used in current practice and measurement of the P100 wave, the best indicator of stereopsis and the most consistent, to predict visual comfort after compensation presbyopia.

[Objective assessment of the functional impact of dry eye severity on the quality of vision by double-pass aberrometry]

PURPOSE

To assess the functional impact of the severity of dry eye on the quality of vision by measuring an Objective Scatter Index (OSI) using double pass aberrometry.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-eight patients (56 eyes) with dry eye syndromes of varying severity participated in this study. A double-pass aberrometer was used to measure the dynamic changes in the OSI for 20 seconds. The mean and standard deviations of the OSI and the number of blinks occurring during the examination were compared as a function of the clinical severity of dry eye disease.

RESULTS

The mean OSI increased with the severity of dry eye syndrome with a significant difference for stages 3 (P<0.01) and 4 (P<0.001) compared to stages 1 and 2, without a significant difference based on age (P>0.8) or visual acuity (P>0.2). Standard deviation of the OSI also increased with the severity of dry eye disease, with a significant difference for stages 3 (P<0.01) and 4 (P<0.0001) compared to stages 1 and 2, with no significant increase in the number of blinks (P>0.2). The values of the OSI standard deviation represented the dynamic nature of aberrometric changes related to the instability of the tear film.

CONCLUSION

Quality of vision of patients deteriorated in relation to the severity of their dry eye. The analysis of OSI standard deviation appears to be an objective way to assess the intensity of subjective visual disturbances reported by patients with dry eye syndrome. It also provides a new tool to assess the severity of damage to the ocular surface.

[Use of "mix-and-match" aspheric intraocular lenses in cataract surgery to enhance depth of field and stereoscopic performance]

INTRODUCTION

One of the remaining challenges in cataract surgery is to compensate for lost accommodative function. The purpose of our study is to evaluate reading ability with a combination of two different aspheric intraocular lenses.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 40 eyes (20 patients). The control group (28 eyes, 14 patients) received two negative aspheric intraocular lenses (Acrismart 36A(®), Carl Zeiss Meditec), while the aspheric-optimized group (12 eyes, six patients) received an AcriSmart 36A(®) in the dominant eye and a zero-aspheric intraocular lens (Acrismart 46 LC(®), Carl Zeiss Meditec) in the fellow eye. Patients with corneal asphericity between 0.15 and 0.30 μm and a bilateral monocular postoperative visual acuity of at least 20/20 were eligible for inclusion. Uncorrected and best corrected visual acuity was measured for near, intermediate and distance vision. Corneal and total higher-order aberrations, monocular and binocular defocus curve, and stereoscopic performance were assessed.

RESULTS

Postoperative spherical equivalent and best corrected distance visual acuity were not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.11 and P=0.82 respectively). However, the aspheric-optimized group (36A(®)/46 LC(®)) exhibited better near and intermediate visual acuity (P<0.05), and better stereoscopic vision (P=0.027).

DISCUSSION

The depth of field results in pseudophakes implanted with "mix-and-match" aspheric lenses demonstrates that the binocular combination of two different aspheric profiles seems to improve near vision without affecting stereoscopic vision.

Effect of interaction of macroaberrations and scattered light on objective quality of vision in pseudophakic eyes with aspheric monofocal intraocular lenses

PURPOSE

To assess the impact of wavefront ocular aberrations on objective vision quality and depth of focus in pseudophakic patients.

SETTING

University Hospital Bretonneau of Tours, Francois Rabelais Medicine Faculty of Tours, France.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

METHODS

Consecutive eyes having implantation of an aspheric monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) (Acri.Smart) were studied. Aberrometry measurements were performed under mesopic conditions with a 6.0 mm pupil using a Wavescan aberrometer. Objective evaluation of optical vision quality was performed using the Optical Quality Analysis System II. The 3 measurements were the modulation transfer function values (MTF cutoff); objective depth of focus, which was computed as the focus range at which Strehl ratio did not fall below 50% of the maximum; and the objective scatter index.

RESULTS

Fifty-four eyes (30 patients) were enrolled. Six months postoperatively, MTF cutoff values were increased with decreasing total ocular spherical aberration, ocular trefoil, and 2nd-order astigmatism (P<.05). Objective depth of focus was positively correlated with 2nd-order astigmatism (r(2) = 0.171, P<.001) and total spherical aberration (r(2) = 0.091, P=.028). Objective scatter was more beneficial for depth of focus, with a significantly positive correlation with this parameter (r(2) = 0.28, P=.002), than compromising of optical quality (no significant correlation with MTF measurements in same multiple regression analysis).

CONCLUSION

Three ocular aberrations (2nd-order astigmatism, trefoil, spherical aberration) seemed to interact with objective contrast sensitivity and depth of focus, whereas residual spherical aberration exerted opposite effects on image quality in individual patients.

Measurement of corneal aberrations for customisation of intraocular lens asphericity: impact on quality of vision after micro-incision cataract surgery

AIMS

To compare the quality of vision of patients with customised aspheric intraocular lenses (IOL) versus patients implanted with zero-aberration IOL after a 1.8 mm micro-incision cataract surgery (MICS).

METHODS

Fourty-three eyes were divided into two groups: 17 eyes (reference group) received zero aberration Acri.Smart 46LC and 26 eyes received a customised-aspheric IOL: either aspherical Acri.Smart 36A, generating a -0.18 microm SA compensation equivalent, or zero-aberration Acri.Smart 46LC. IOL asphericity was individually selected according to the corneal spherical aberration (SA) in order to produce a residual ocular SA close to +0.10 microm. Refraction, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivities, ocular wavefront aberrations and objective quality of vision assessment were analysed 6 months after MICS.

RESULTS

Postoperative BCVA was similar in both groups (p=0.58). Mesopic contrast sensitivities were significantly better in the custom group at intermediate and high spatial frequencies (p<0.001), while photopic contrast sensitivities were similar. Total SA was significantly lower in the custom group (Z(4)(0)=0.085+/-0.075 vs 0.261+/-0.091 microm, p<0.001), whereas no difference was found in preoperative corneal SA. Modulation transfer function cut-off frequency was higher in the custom group than in the reference group (34.3+/-8.1 vs 23.57+/-8.6 cycles per degree, respectively; p=0.008).

CONCLUSION

Individual selection of IOL asphericity with a preoperative corneal SA measurement allowed control of final ocular SA. Such customisation improves mesopic contrast sensitivity, and leads to better objective quality of vision.

[Long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency and choroidal neovascularization]

We report the case of a 9-year-old girl with a long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) deficiency. This enzyme participates in mitochondrial fatty acid B-oxidation. Genetic fatty acid oxidation defects induce cellular energetic deficiency, and thus early life-threatening manifestations. An appropriate diet prevents these severe disorders. Nevertheless, LCHAD deficiency is the only B-oxidation enzymatic disorder that induces a chorioretinopathy, predominating at the posterior pole. We describe the first case of bilateral macular choroidal neovascularization. One eye presented a fibrovascular lesion. The other eye presented an active neovascularization stabilized by two dynamic phototherapies. The specificity of choroidal degeneration related to LCHAD deficiency remains unknown. Reviewing of literature and biochemical mechanisms suggests that fatty acid oxidative stress rather than a mitochondrial energetic defect is involved. For practical purposes, this report emphasizes the importance of ophthalmological follow-up of these patients.

Quels bénéfices visuels peut-on attendre d’un implant sans aberration sphérique dans la chirurgie de la cataracte ?

PURPOSE

To assess the quality of vision in pseudophakic patients with aspheric intraocular lens (IOL) without spherical aberration compared to patients with spherical IOL.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients (48 eyes) undergoing cataract surgery were randomly divided into two groups: 12 patients received an aspheric IOL in both eyes and 12 received spherical IOLs. The integrity of ocular functions was assessed with clinical examination and multifocal electroretinogram. Postoperative evaluations were conducted 3 months after surgery. Refraction, best-corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivities, and wavefront ocular aberrations were analyzed. Patient-centered visual functions were evaluated according to the Activities of Daily Vision Scale.

RESULTS

The ADVS score was better in the aspheric IOL group (p=0.01), particularly concerning the best-corrected near vision (p=0.006). Refraction and BCVA were similar. Contrast sensitivities in photopic conditions was better in the aspherical IOL group (p<0.001). Higher-order aberration was not different, except from spherical aberration (p=0.022).

CONCLUSION

Patients with the aspherical IOLs felt they had better quality of vision, particularly near vision, compared with the spherical IOL group. These patient-centered benefits were associated with better photopic contrast sensitivity and reduced spherical aberration.

[Ophthalmologic signs in mucopolysaccharidoses: two case reports]

BACKGROUND

The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) form a group of heterogeneous hereditary lysosomal storage diseases, distinguished by facial dysmorphy in gargoyle-like facies. The enzymatic deficiency involves the degradation of glycosaminoglycans, whose accumulation manifests in severe general and ophthalmologic problems.

CASES REPORT

We report the cases of two 18-month-old girls consulting for corneal clouding and photophobia. The diagnosis was made based on the facial dysmorphy, then biologically corroborated: Scheie's syndrome (MPS type I-S) and Hurler's syndrome (MPS type I-H). The corneal clouding was isolated or associated with bilateral disc swelling. Enzyme replacement therapy was instituted in both cases while waiting for bone marrow transplantation, with a better prognosis in the first case because of the type of MPS and the less severe neurological involvement.

DISCUSSION

The accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in ocular tissues can involve stromal opacities, glaucoma, retinopathy, and optic nerve swelling. Whereas the ophthalmological involvement is often secondary, it can lead the ophthalmologist to the diagnosis of MPS. The early diagnosis of MPS, before the onset of neurological signs, is vital, since treatment can stop disease progression.

CONCLUSION

Better knowledge of the clinical signs of MPS on the part of the ophthalmologists could improve the prognosis of these patients.

Étude épidémiologique de la rétinopathie du prématuré : les facteurs de risque au CHU de Tours

BACKGROUND

A prospective analysis of the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) by documenting clinical perinatal characteristics of affected infants, in an attempt to describe risk factors for ROP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between March 2002 and April 2004, 161 infants, with a gestational age under 31 weeks and/or a birth weight under 1500 g, were screened according to CRYO-ROP guidelines, using direct ophthalmoscopy with a Layden contact lens. Risk factors for ROP were analyzed with the Student and Fischer tests.

RESULTS

ROP developed in 15% of the cases studied, with one out of five at prethreshold or threshold levels of ROP. Gestational age at birth (p<0.0001), low birth weight (p<0.0001), the length of the infant's stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (p<0.0001), the duration of mechanical ventilation (p<0.0001), the duration of oxygen provided (p<0.0001), blood transfusions (p<0.0001), hyaline membrane disease (p=0.0257), and bronchodysplasia (p=0.0012) were significant risk factors for ROP.

CONCLUSION

Despite progress in neonatal intensive care, ROP persists and can be explained by greater and greater prematurity and earlier screening. Effective screening, done between 4 and 6 weeks of life, taking risk factors into account, can improve prognosis.

Quality of vision after cataract surgery after Tecnis Z9000 intraocular lens implantation: effect of contrast sensitivity and wavefront aberration improvements on the quality of daily vision

PURPOSE

To compare ocular performance and quality of vision in pseudophakic eyes with an aspherical intraocular lens (IOL) or a conventional spherical IOL.

SETTING

Bretonneau University Hospital, Tours, France.

METHODS

Twenty patients (40 eyes) were randomly divided in 2 equal groups to bilaterally receive the aspherical Tecnis Z9000 IOL (AMO) or the spherical CeeOn Edge 911 IOL (AMO). Contrast sensitivity was measured and ocular wavefront analysis performed before surgery and 6 months after. Patients completed the Activities of Daily Vision Scale (ADVS) to evaluate patient-centered visual outcomes. Other examinations included refraction before and after mydriasis and pupil diameter.

RESULTS

The mean postoperative best corrected visual acuity (logMAR) was 0.03 +/- 0.05 (SD) in the Tecnis group and 0.01 +/- 0.05 in the CeeOn Edge group (P = .41). Refractive evaluation with mydriasis showed a mean myopic shift as low as -0.02 +/- 0.36 diopter (D) in the Tecnis group and -0.51 +/- 0.37 D in the CeeOn Edge group (P = .001). Mesopic contrast sensitivity at high spatial frequencies was significantly better in the Tecnis group (P<.001), while contrast sensitivity under photopic and glare conditions was not different between the 2 groups. Spherical aberration was significantly lower in the Tecnis group, which had a mean Z(4)(0) of 0.01 +/- 0.06 microm, than in the CeeOn Edge group, which had a mean Z(4)(0) of 0.16 +/- 0.12 microm (P<.001). The global score on the ADVS was not statistically different between groups; however, quality of distance vision was better in the Tecnis group than in the CeeOn Edge group (mean 99.0 +/- 2.0 versus 89.2 +/- 3.4) (P<.001).

CONCLUSION

Implantation of an aspherical IOL with a negative spherical aberration resulted in reduced ocular spherical aberration and improved mesopic contrast sensitivity and led to better subjective quality of vision.

Qualité de vision des patients porteurs d’un implant asphérique prolate après chirurgie de la cataracte

PURPOSE

To assess the quality of vision in pseudophakic patients with a prolate aspherical intraocular lens (IOL) compared to patients with a spherical IOL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty patients undergoing cataract surgery were divided into two groups according to the type of IOL: ten prolate aspherical IOLs (TECNIS Z9000, AMO, USA) and ten spherical IOLs (911 CeeOn Edge, AMO, USA). The integrity of ocular functions was assessed with clinical examination and multifocal electroretinogram. Contrast sensitivities were tested preoperatively in photopic, mesopic, and glared conditions. Postoperative examinations included refractive evaluation before and after mydriasis, pupil diameter, contrast sensitivities, and wavefront aberration analysis.

RESULTS

Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 0.95 +/- 0.13 for the TECNIS group vs 0.98 +/- 0.11 for the 911 group (p=0.32). Refractive evaluation revealed mydriasis myopic shift in patients with the 911 IOL (- 0.10+/-0.30 D for the TECNIS group vs - 0.68+/-0.21 D for the 911 group, p=0.002). Mesopic contrast sensitivity was improved in the TECNIS group regarding medium and high spatial frequencies (p=0.003 and p=0.002, respectively), whereas photopic and glared contrast sensitivities were equal in both groups. RMS for high-order aberrations was 0.36 +/- 0.07 microm in the TECNIS group vs 0.33 +/- 0.19 microm in the 911 group (p=0.21), and spherical aberration was lower in patients with TECNIS IOL (Z40=0.03+/-0.06 microm vs 0.20+/-0.14 microm, for the TECNIS group and the 911 group, respectively, p=0.029).

CONCLUSION

Combining contrast sensitivities and wavefront aberration analysis provided an objective assessment of the quality of vision in pseudophakic patients. Using prolate aspherical IOL could reduce spherical aberration and improve visual acuity, especially in mesopic conditions.

Ophthalmologic side effects during alpha-interferon therapy for viral hepatitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Ophthalmologic side effects have been reported during interferon therapy, particularly retinal lesions and neurovisual impairment. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the nature and the frequency of such lesions during alpha-interferon therapy for viral hepatitis.

METHODS

Between 1995 and 2003, 156 patients treated with standard or pegylated alpha-interferon, with or without ribavirin, had a regular ophthalmologic examination before and during treatment. No patient had signs of retinopathy before treatment. Cotton-wool spots were found in 31 patients and retinal hemorrhage in nine patients during treatment (24% of patients). These lesions remained asymptomatic and disappeared in all patients. A previous history of arterial hypertension (RR 4.60, 95% CI 1.95-10.85), age above 45 years (RR 2.80, 95% CI 1.36-5.85), and use of pegylated alpha-interferon (RR 2.75, 95% CI 1.41-5.38) were significantly associated with retinopathy. Neurovisual impairment was present in 31 patients (20%) before treatment and in 74 patients (47%) during treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, this study showed that signs of retinopathy and neurovisual impairment were common in patients receiving alpha-interferon therapy but were rarely symptomatic. It suggests that alpha-interferon may usually be continued in asymptomatic patients as long as there is careful fundoscopic examination.

[The central visual field in flicker stimulation]

The authors reported their results of flicker visual field in ganzfeld and 17 central points with 3, 8, 15 and 35 Hertz flicker. They tested 4 groups of control subjects and 12 patients with glaucoma. The flicker visual field may be a useful aid in determining campimetric abnormalities for glaucoma patients with normal static perimetry.

[Epidemiology of pediatric paracetamol poisoning (retrospective analysis of calls received by the Poison Control Center of Tours)]

The authors analysed 101 phone calls received in 3 years and 8 months at the Poison Control Center of Tours for paracetamol poisoning in children under 15 years of age. 70% of children were between 1 and 5 years old, 15% under 1 year and 15% over 5 years old. The kind of poisoning differ according to age: iatrogenic in 93% of cases under 1 year old (medication given by parents; error in dosage); accidental in 85% of cases between 1 and 5 years old and "willful" poisoning (43%) or accidental (36%) over 5 years old. The average quantity of ingested paracetamol was low (58mg/kg). The delay before phone call from an individual or a doctor was usually quite short. The neurologic or digestive signs were present in 12% of the children. The outcome was uneventful in all cases indicating that this form of poisoning is being in childrens.

[Local catastrophe and C.A.P.: apropos of 1 plant in Touraine]

Drinking water supply to a 200,000 inhabitant urban area had to be interrupted owing the pollution of the Loire river due to fire in a chemical plant in the vicinity of Tours. This event showed a regretful lack of information diffusion making the role of the Poison Control Center more difficult. Consequences related to acute toxicity were negligible but the evaluation of long-term risk is still pending.