Glaucoma is the main cause for irreversible blindness in India. The main determinant of glaucoma is raised intraocular pressure (IOP) which is influenced by many factors. One of the main factors is physical exercise. Objective of this study is to exhibit the effect of isometric handgrip exercise using Smedley’s handgrip dynamometer on IOP among young adult males in the south Indian population. In this quasi experimental study, 150 young healthy adult male subjects with ages between 15 to 40 years were selected on the basis of fulfilling our inclusion and exclusion criteria with the help of a questionnaire. Baseline IOP and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of the subjects were measured using non-contact tonometer and Smedley’s Handgrip Dynamometer, respectively. The subjects were instructed to hold the handgrip dynamometer with 20% of MVC in sustained manner for minimum 2 min or until fatigue sets in. IOP were measured on both eyes immediately and 15 min following exercise and IOP variation was analysed using paired t-test. A small but significant decrease in IOP was noted immediately as well as 15 min following exercise. Average fall in right eye was 1.75 mm Hg immediately and 2.14 mm Hg 15 min following exercise (P<0.01). The average fall in the left eye was 1.62 mm Hg immediately and 1.91 mm Hg after 15 min (P<0.01). Isometric handgrip exercise of the single upper limb showed significant reduction of IOP on both eyes following exercise and the decrease was much higher 15 min after exercise. This result can be extrapolated and clinically applied for glaucoma prevention and supplemented as lifestyle modification during glaucoma treatment.

Introduction and Aim: The change in human behaviour has created a social phobia wherein a human use either computers or any other electronic gadgets to defend himself from social contact. Nomophobia is fear of not having mobile phones and the stress associated with it. Increased use of mobile phones among students  has changed the scenario and it is no more a luxury but a necessity. Social interaction has decreased and electronic gadgets have become the master. This has led to development of neuropsychological issues. The purpose of the study is to find out the prevalence of nomophobia among college students and to explore the association between nomophobia and stress, anxiety and depression.  Materials and Methods: Randomly selected 167 medical and dental students were given questionnaires to assess the prevalence of nomophobia. Separate questionnaires were given to assess stress, anxiety and depression. Results: Results showed a wide prevalence of nomophobia (59%) among students. 14%, 29%, 8% of students were seen having severe/ extreme depression, anxiety and stress respectively. Conclusion: Nomophobia was significantly associated with stress and depression (P ?0.05). Students have to be periodically screened to identify stress, anxiety and depression and counselled about the constructive usage of mobile phones.

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Introduction: There are various stressors that a student will encounter during their initial college days and our focus is to assess if gender and BMI have any effect on the stress and anxiety experienced by students. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire based study was conducted in a private medical college. 172 students doing their paramedical course participated in the study. Anxiety and stress were assessed using Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and Cohens stress scale. BMI was calculated using anthropometric data. Results: The prevalence of low, moderate and high stress among students was 15.7%, 34.3% and 50.0% respectively. Similarly 29.1% students showed mild anxiety, 36% and 34.9% had moderate and severe anxiety. 57% females showed high stress. Anxiety values was similar among both genders. There was no association between stress and BMI. But underweight students showed more anxiety than others. Discussion: Study shows a wide prevalence of stress and anxiety among students. BMI also acts as a contributing factor for stress. Priority must be given for psychosocial well being of students as it reflects in their academic excellence and social behavior.

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