Vision Science and Eye Health Journal

Association Between Dry Eye and Sleep Quality in an Elderly Chinese Population in Taiwan: The Shihpai Eye Study

Su-Ying Tsai, Tung-Mei Kuang — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Introduction: Dry eye symptoms often do not align with test results, and discrepancies between symptoms and clinical signs are common. Interestingly, dry eye symptoms correlate more with non-ocular conditions than clinical signs. Purpose: Our study explored the link between dry eye symptoms, signs, and sleep quality among the elderly. Methods: This community-based cross-sectional survey targeted vision and eye diseases in non-institutionalized individuals aged 65 and older. It began with a structured questionnaire on dry eye symptoms and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), followed by a standardized ophthalmic examination, including slit lamp and dry eye tests. Results: Frequent dry eye symptoms were significantly associated with poor sleep quality (OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.36-2.70). Positive dry eye symptoms with tear break-up time ≤ 10 sec (OR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.25-2.52) and a Schirmer test ≤ 5mm (OR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.10-2.34) were linked to poor sleep quality, as was having meibomian gland disease (OR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.09-2.32). Dry eye symptoms were also associated with the use of sleeping medication (OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.01-1.95). Subjects with dry eye symptoms and tear break-up time ≤ 10 sec (OR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.13-2.22) or a Schirmer test score ≤ 5mm (OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.01-2.08) were more likely to use sleeping medication. Conclusions: Our study showed dry eye, especially dry eye symptoms, significantly impacts subjective sleep quality and the use of sleeping medication in the elderly. The causal relationship between sleep quality and dry eye requires further investigation.

A Cross-Sectional Study of the Prevalence of Keratoconus in Patients with Astigmatism More than Two Diopters

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Introduction: Patients with astigmatism, especially those with more than two diopters, appear to have keratoconus as a co-morbidity. Understanding the coexistence of these two diseases may aid in these patients' early detection and management. Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to establish the rate of keratoconus among the patients with >2D astigmatism in Bangladesh. Methods: 80 astigmatic patients >2D among the age group 10-45 years old participated in this cross-sectional study between May and August 2024 at Noor Makka and Makka Eye Hospitals, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Keratoconus and subclinical cases were identified by using corneal topography, slit lamp, and corneal asymmetry, along with general visual evaluation by an ophthalmology consultant. Statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software was used as the data analysis tool. Results: This study analyzed the socio-demographic information and the eye characteristics of people with astigmatism. Out of 80 studied participants, keratoconus appeared in 65%, mainly from the age group 17-30 (56.25%). Among the study participants, males and females were 47.50% and 52.50%, respectively. The average astigmatism level was recorded at 4.697 diopters. The research established a significant statistical correlation between Keratoconus diagnosis and corneal biomicroscopy (p = .001) and corneal topography (p = .000), where most of the keratoconus patients showed thinning patterns in their stromal structure. The research also established a connection between age and gender to keratoconus. Conclusions: This cross-sectional study revealed a high prevalence of diagnosed keratoconus among astigmatic patients, particularly affecting younger individuals.

Navigating Recurrent Corneal Injury: Addressing Challenges in Lawnmower-Related Ocular Trauma

Fitri Setyani Rokim, Fitria Kusumastuti, Budy Surakhman — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Introduction: Ocular trauma resulting from workplace accidents, such as those involving lawnmowers, can cause severe eye injuries, potentially leading to significant visual impairment. Case Presentation: A 42-year-old male presented with sudden vision loss, redness, and pain in the right eye following a workplace accident. Examination revealed a full-thickness corneal laceration, hyphema, and anterior chamber prolapse of the iris and vitreous. The patient underwent a surgical repair. However, recurrent injuries necessitated additional intervention, ultimately resulting in a corneal leucoma. Although postoperative symptoms initially improved, wound dehiscence led to recurrent vitreous leakage, complicating recovery. This case highlights the challenges associated with managing recurrent corneal injuries and underscores the importance of precise surgical techniques to optimize outcomes. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the complexity of recurrent ocular trauma, particularly in workplace-related injuries such as lawnmower accidents. A comprehensive patient history, individualized management approach, and multidisciplinary collaboration are essential for improving visual prognosis and surgical success.

PEEK Acuity and its Potential to Improve Visual Acuity Screening

Pikasa Retsyah Dipayana, Muhammad Firmansjah, Indri Wahyuni, Rifat Nurfahri — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Introduction: Uncorrected refractive errors contribute to 43% of the leading causes of global visual impairment. Early screening is essential to detect visual impairment and to plan early intervention. Portable eye examination kit (PEEK) Acuity has the potential to help improve early detection; however, its validation needs to be studied. Purpose: To carry out a validation test of PEEK Acuity as a visual acuity examination tool compared to the Snellen Chart. Reviews: PEEK Acuity is a smartphone-based screening modality that can be used offline and has a low false positive rate. Several studies have been conducted to evaluate the accuracy of using the PEEK Acuity application. The duration of examination using PEEK Acuity is also said to be significantly shorter than that of using Snellen Chart in preschool-age children. Conclusions: The PEEK Acuity application can currently be considered a viable alternative for vision screening, especially for widespread screening in both the community and school-aged children who require a high level of specificity to avoid errors in identifying cases.