Cataracts are the principal cause of blindness, globally, affecting the older cohort (specifically those in their fifth decades and beyond). In fact, there are more cases of cataracts worldwide than there are of glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy (DR) combined, according to Prevent Blindness America (PBA). Whilst ageing remains the predominant risk factor for cataract formation, other predisposing factors such as diabetes mellitus (DM), nutritional and trace element deficiency, ultraviolet radiations, smoking, etc., have been implicated in this sight threatening condition. The pathophysiology of cataract is not fully understood albeit aldose-reductase inhibitors and antioxidants have proven beneficial in the prevention and management of this vision threatening condition in vitro and in vivo experimental studies. This paper seeks to provide an overview of the understanding of the pathophysiology of cataract and the major interventions that have been deployed to help retard its progression, as highlighted in extant literature.

No abstract

Due to their similarities in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology to humans, mice are a valuable model system to study the generation and mechanisms modulating conventional outflow resistance and thus intraocular pressure. In addition, mouse models are critical for understanding the complex nature of conventional outflow homeostasis and dysfunction that results in ocular hypertension. In this review, we describe a set of minimum acceptable standards for developing, characterizing, and utilizing mouse models of open-angle ocular hypertension. We expect that this set of standard practices will increase scientific rigor when using mouse models and will better enable researchers to replicate and build upon previous findings.

A 16-year old senior high school girl presented with painless progressive blurring of vision in the right eye at Sight for Africa Eye Clinic in Darkuman, Ghana. The condition, she reported, started 14 days ago. There was no history of ocular trauma, refractive error, or any sight-threatening condition such as glaucoma. Her medical history, as far as she was concerned, was negative. She had not come into contact with cats or other pets recently or in the past. Following a detailed history taking and a comprehensive examination, she was diagnosed with idiopathic neuroretinitis. Neuroretinitis is a focal inflammation of the optic nerve and peripapillary retina or macula of either infectious or idiopathic etiology, and is characterized by acute unilateral vision loss and macular star-shaped exudates. Keywords:

No abstract