PurposeTo quantify normal corneal transparency by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) by measuring the average pixel intensity. To analyze the variation in the average pixel intensity in mild and severe grades of corneal opacities.MethodsThis is an observational, cross-sectional study of 38 eyes from 19 patients with mild or severe grades of corneal opacities greater than 3 mm and a normal contralateral cornea. AS-OCT was performed centered on the opacity with a 3 mm cruciate protocol. A similar image is taken of the contralateral clear cornea in the same quadrant. The average pixel intensity was calculated in a standardized manner using MATLAB software.ResultThe average pixel intensity of the normal cornea was 99.6 ± 10.9 [standard deviation (SD)]. The average pixel intensity of the mild and severe corneal opacities was 115.5 ± 9.1 and 141.1 ± 10.3, respectively. The differences were statistically significant.ConclusionsAS-OCT images can be used to quantify corneal transparency. Average pixel intensity is a measure that varies significantly with varying corneal opacification.

No abstract

Assessment of corneal transparency in donor corneal buttons has only been performed qualitatively. The quantification of corneal transparency has implications with respect to clinical suitability of the donor cornea and research involving corneal transparency as an outcome measure. In this study an artificial anterior chamber was modified to create a central transparent passage. This was made possible by replacing the base of the chamber with Perspex and a water  tight seal. An inlet and outlet tube was a ached to the sides of chamber. This was done to maintain a standardized pressure within the chamber when connected to an IV bo le. A corneal button rejected for corneal transplant was placed on the artificial anterior chamber and the chamber was  filled with normal saline. A digital camera and a laser source were placed on either side of the chamber at predetermined intervals. Alignment was achieved so that the laser light passed through the center of the cornea. The image of the laser spot was acquired and subjected to image analysis. To test this proof of concept, a human cornea rejected for human transplant was injected with intrastromal saline to create corneal haze. Pre and Post injection images were analyzed. The average pixel intensity that was calculated was found to be 111 pre-saline injury and 17.2 post-saline injection. Pre and Post-saline measurement showed a marked difference in average pixel intensity. This simple inexpensive setup and ease of analysis are advantages of this method of quantification.

No abstract

Background: International electives provide students an opportunity to experience diversity in educational content and the impact of social settings on health-care delivery. Primary eye care provided by optometrists is a crucial aspect of the ocular health chain. Optometrists play a large role in the early diagnosis and prevention of ocular diseases. Knowledge and skill acquisition in ocular diagnostics involving a spectrum of diseases that students have fairly limited exposure to in Urban Australian settings would go a long way in ensuring the wholeness of the optometry curriculum. Methods: The International Elective in Tropical Eye Disease and Community Eye care (TEDCE), based in a tertiary teaching eye hospital in South India, intended to impart this body of knowledge. This study is an educational-program evaluation study that assessed the change in knowledge, skills, and attitude of 10 International Optometry Students before and after TEDCE. Knowledge and skill were measured using multiple choice questions (MCQS) and objectively structured clinical examination (OSCE). Attitude OSCEs was quantified using the the readiness for inter-professional learning scale questionnaire. Results: The pretest MCQ showed a mean score of 44.40 ± 6.22 and posttest MCQ improved to 51.80 ± 3.85. Similarly, the pretest OSCE showed a mean score of 7.10 ± 1.52 and posttest OSCE improved to 12.05 ± 2.58. Qualitative questionnaire analysis indicated that students had better chance to understand interprofessional benefits and limitations. Conclusion: The analysis of the results indicates a positive impact of intervention with respect to knowledge, skills, and attitude gained.