Ophthalmology and Allied Sciences

Background: Corneal perforation is a vision-threatening ophthalmic emergency characterized by a full-thickness defect in the cornea, leading to loss of globe integrity and potential irreversible visual impairment. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to restore anatomical integrity and preserve vision. The study was conducted to evaluate the clinical profile, etiological factors, management modalities, and outcomes of corneal perforation in a tertiary care hospital setting. Methods: This prospective observational study included 60 patients with fullthickness corneal perforation managed over 18 months at a tertiary care hospital. Patients were assessed for demographic characteristics, etiology, site, size, and clinical presentation. Management strategies included medical therapy, tissue adhesive with bandage contact lens (TABCL), Patch graft, amniotic membrane transplantation, and keratoplasty. Outcomes were evaluated based on anatomical integrity, epithelial healing, visual improvement, and complications over a followup period of up to three months. Results: The mean age was 53.27 ± 15.81 years, with a male predominance (60%). Post-infective causes were most common (45%), followed by trauma (30%) and autoimmune conditions (25%). Central perforations (45%) and small-sized defects <3 mm (60%) were predominant. TABCL was the most frequently employed treatment (50%), followed by keratoplasty (25%). Anatomical success was achieved in all cases (100%), with 92% epithelial healing. Visual improvement was observed in 40% of cases, with better outcomes in peripheral perforations (60%) compared to central ones (37%) (p = 0.0421). Post-procedural complications were minimal (10%).

Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) remain a primary cause of postoperative morbidity, mortality, and escalating healthcare expenditures. While surgeons and anesthesiologists are central to the operative process, the peri-operative infection control nurse (ICN) acts as the fundamental bridge between evidence-based practice and clinical application. This review examines the multifaceted responsibilities of the peri-operative ICN, ranging from environmental surveillance and sterilization oversight to the implementation of bundled care protocols. By synthesizing current literature, this paper argues that the specialization of the ICN is not merely ancillary but essential to the high-reliability culture required to minimize patient risk in the surgical suite.

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as “pink eye,” is one of the most frequently encountered ocular conditions in both primary-care and acute-care settings. Although often self-limiting, its rapid transmissibility, variable aetiology (bacterial, viral, allergic, and toxic), and potential for complications necessitate a coordinated nursing response. This paper synthesises current evidence on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and diagnostic work-up of conjunctivitis, and critically examines nursing assessment, interventions, patient-education strategies, and outcome measurement. Particular emphasis is placed on infection-control practices, pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management, psychosocial considerations, and the role of the nurse within inter-professional teams. Gaps in the literature are identified and future research directions proposed. The review demonstrates that systematic, evidence-based nursing care reduces transmission, improves treatment adherence, shortens symptom duration, and enhances patient satisfaction.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe a familial presentation of isolated foveal hypoplasia (FH) with detailed clinico-imaging correlation based on fundus photography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), highlighting the diagnostic value of multimodal imaging in this rare condition. Methods: A 22-year-old male proband and his younger sister underwent complete ophthalmic evaluation including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp biomicroscopy, dilated fundus examination, Topcon Maestro2 SD-OCT with radial macular scanning protocol, and whole-exome molecular genetic testing. Results: BCVA was 20/200 bilaterally in the proband. Fundus photography revealed absence of the foveal reflex in both eyes, with an incidental chorioretinal lesion in the left eye. SD-OCT demonstrated absent foveal pit with diffuse macular thickening (OD mean 259.9 µm; OS mean 279.6 µm) and persistence of inner retinal layers over the foveal center bilaterally, consistent with Grade 3 FH. A pathogenic FRMD7 gene variant was identified on whole-exome sequencing. His sibling harbored the same variant in heterozygous form. Conclusions: Multimodal imaging – combining fundus photography with SD-OCT macular thickness mapping – provides objective, quantifiable documentation of foveal maldevelopment and enables grading that guides prognosis and counseling in familial FH.