Aims: To assess the contrast sensitivity (CS) in different stages of primary open angle glaucoma and to correlate it with the severity (mild, moderate & severe) of glaucoma. Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized study was conducted at Sapthagiri institute of medical sciences and research centre, Bangalore between June 2017 & December 2017. A total of 100 eyes of 55 individuals aged 25-80 years diagnosed with POAG were enrolled in this prospective study. Selected subjects underwent detailed ophthalmic examination including ocular history, slit lamp examination, objective & subjective refraction (if required) to obtain best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) on Snellen visual acuity chart and dilated fundus evaluation using indirect ophthalmoscopy. Eyes with clear media and ≥BCVA 6/60 were included and contrast sensitivity was measured using Pelli Robson chart at 1 meter distance. HFA report of included subjects were collected from Glaucoma department to classify them in to mild, moderate and severe groups according to their visual field findings (pattern deviation of HFA report). Classification was done according to International statistical classification of disease and related health problem (ICD 10). One way ANOVA and t-test was used to analyze the data. Results: There was 36% mild, 26% moderate and 38% severe cases of POAG classified according to ICD 10. The mean value of contrast in mild, moderate and severe POAG was 1.4341, 1.3267 and 1.1326 respectively. An analysis of variance tested whether there were significant difference in contrast sensitivity among mild, moderate and severe POAG. Results indicated that these means differed significantly p < 0.01. Hence there is gradual decrease in CS with the severity of glaucoma. Conclusion:There was decrease in contrast sensitivity with the severity of POAG. Thus the contrast sensitivity testing should be made mandatory in evaluating POAG patients which could help in screening/diagnosis (early detection) and to assess the progression of the disease as well as response to the treatment.

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Introduction: Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus (HZO) is a viral infection caused by varicella zoster virus. The virus manifests in primary and recurrent forms. HZO involves ophthalmic division of trigeminal nerve affecting one or all other branches (lacrimal, supratrochlear, nasociliary). The diagnosis is simple with clinical examination in majority of cases. The lifetime risk of herpes zoster is estimated to be 10 to 20 percent. The complications are seen in primary and recurrent herpes zoster both in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. Aims: To analyses varied clinical manifestation in herpes zoster ophthalmicus. Materials and Methods: We analysed 40 cases of established HZO. The demographic profile, clinical signs and symptoms, and outcomes were observed and analysed. They were screened for diabetes and hypertension as a part of routine checkup. HbA1c (glycosylated Hb) was done in all diabetics. Serological testing for HIV, HbsAg, & VDRL was done in all cases. History of chicken pox in the past was documented if any. Results: All 40 cases had conjunctival and corneal involvement. 11(27.5%) out of 40cases, had complete dermatomal involvement,17(42.5%) had intra ocular involvement. 7 patients had uncontrolled diabetes with HbA1c values between 8 to 10. 13 patients had deep seated retro ocular pain before the onset of skin leision. Conclusion: HZO take a longer course in patients with abnormal HbA1c values. Multiple dermatomal involvement can be observed. Deep seated retro ocular pain along with burning sensation along the distribution of nerve should arouse high index of suspicion of HZO, as a premonitory symptom. The skin lesions appear different with edematous skin in albino patient.

A B S T R A C T BACKGROUNDBlood transfusion has hazards of Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTI). Blood has several components whose separation, storage and utilization has brought down adverse reactions in recipients. This study aims at evaluating the prevalence of TTI in donors and the pattern of utilization of blood and its components in a tertiary care hospital. METHODSThis is a retrospective descriptive study done between January to December 2017. Data regarding the screening of blood, component separation, storage, utilization and discarding was collected and analysed. RESULTSOut of 4158 donations screened, prevalence of TTI was 38 (0.9%) and that of HBV and HCV was 36 (0.86%) and 2 (0.04%). None of them were positive for HIV, Syphilis and Malaria. Total blood units collected were 10,184. PRBC (32.87%) was the most utilized component followed by FFP (30.59%), Platelet (26.18%), WB (10.33%) and Cryoprecipitate (0.04%). Obstetric (45.42%) cases were most benefited. Out of 143 units discarded, 84 units (58.74%) were discarded due to sero-positivity. CONCLUSIONSThis study analyses the prevalence of TTIs in a tertiary care centre over a period of one year and also emphasizes the appropriate and judicious use of blood and blood components.