This was the first scientometric report on glaucoma, analyzing the characteristics of papers and the trends in scientific production. A constant increase was observed in the number of papers, while the subject of papers had a shift in the past three years towards genomic research studies.

Background: To determine the prevalence of amblyopia in schoolchildren aged 7–9 years old in Mashhad, Iran. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, community-based study with schoolchildren aged 7–9 years old. We randomly selected 20 of 189 elementary schools (three schools per district; 10 male-segregated and 10 female-segregated schools) from a proportional combination of public schools across Mashhad. Basic vision exams were performed. If amblyopia was suspected, children underwent supplementary vision exams. The diagnostic criterion for amblyopia was a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in one or both eyes equal to or worse than 20/40 or an interocular difference of more than two lines in BCVA without any significant organic pathology. Results: A total of 2831 children were included in the study. All children were examined comprehensively by an optometrist, and amblyopia was detected in 49/2831 (1.7% [95% CI, 1.22?2.18]). Of the 49 children with amblyopia, 20 (40.8%) were amblyopic in the right eye, 9 (18.4%) in the left eye, and 20 (40.8%) in both eyes. Twenty-four (49%) were first graders, 15 (30.6%) were second graders, and 10 (20.4%) were third graders. The most prevalent subtype of amblyopia was anisometropic amblyopia (57.1%, [95% CI, 43.24?70.96]). Conclusions: Considering the prevalence of amblyopia among schoolchildren aged 7–9 years old (1.7%), timely detection of amblyopia through preschool screening programs is essential for early treatment or prevention of further visual impairment during childhood. How to cite this article: Shahpary S, Ramin S, Azimi A, Heyrani M. The prevalence of amblyopia in 7-9-year-old schoolchildren in Mashhad. Med Hypothesis Discov Innov Optom.2021 Spring; 2(1): 18-23. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51329/mehdioptometry121

Purpose: To measure and compare distance and near visual acuity in amblyopic patients.Methods: This study was evaluated 167 patients with amblyopia between ages of 6 and 55 years. In all subjects, a comprehensive ophthalmic examination including visual acuity, refraction, slit lamp biomicroscopy, and funduscopy was performed. Distance visual acuity (DVA) was measured by Snellen chart at 4 m and near visual acuity (NVA) was measured by Snellen chart at 40 cm, and then DVA and NVA were compered and analyzed.Results:In our subjects, the mean distance and near visual acuity was 0.39± 0.30 log MAR and 0.30± 0.32 log MAR respectively. The mean NVA was 0.12±0.12 log MAR better than DVA and difference between them was statistically significant (P<0.001). In 40% of patients, there were no difference between DVA and NVA, and in 60% of them, NVA was 0.1 or more log MAR better than DVA. The difference between DVA and NVA was not significantly related with age (p=0.225), spherical equivalent (P=.820) and strabismus (P=.336) and type of amblyopia (P=.405). Although all of these subjects had subnormal DVA, but 43 subjects (26%) had normal NVA. In mild and moderate amblyopic groups, difference between DVA and NVA was 0.14±0.10 log MAR and 0.15±0.14 log MAR respectively, but in severe amblyopic group it was 0.03±0.08 log MAR. The difference between DVA and NVA showed a significant relation with severity of amblyopia (P<0.001). The difference between DVA and NVA was 0.16±0.11 log MAR in patients with history of amblyopia therapy and 0.07.± 0.11 log MAR in patients without treatment. This difference was statistically significant (P<0.001).Conclusion: Our results showed that near visual acuity in amblyopia especially in mild to moderate types was significantly better than distance visual acuity. More than 50% of subjects with mild amblyopia had normal near visual acuity. The difference between DVA and NVA showed no relation with age, spherical equivalent, strabismus, and type of amblyopia. Also, difference between the DVA and NVA in patients with history of amblyopia therapy was better than of it in non-treated subjects.

Background: The mainstay of dry eye treatment is artificial tear solutions. Contralateral eye comparison of 2 types of artificial tears (Xiloial versus Tearlose) in managing dry eye disease was sought in this study. Methods: This study was a prospective, interventional, contralateral eye comparison of 2 types of artificial tears used for managing dry eye disease. The study participants were categorized into mild (13–22 points), moderate (23–32 points), or severe (33–100 points) ocular surface disease according to the baseline ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire score. Schirmer I and tear film break-up time (TBUT) tests, as well as detailed slit-lamp examinations, were performed at baseline and at the end of the study. All participants received Xiloial monodose eye drops for the right eye and Tearlose eye drops for the left eye, administered as a single drop 4 times per day. Furthermore, they were instructed to perform lid hygiene every 12 hours per day for both eyes. Results: Thirty-five patients (70 eyes) with a mean ± standard (SD) age of 50.2 ± 13.4 years were included, and 14 (40%) were men. The mean ± SD of the OSDI score was 44.24 ± 22.59 at baseline. Of the 35 patients, 10 (28.6%), 5 (14.3%), and 20 (57.1%) had mild, moderate, and severe ocular surface disease, respectively, according to the baseline OSDI score. Compared to baseline, the mean values of both TBUT and Schirmer I tests improved significantly in both groups (both P < 0.001). In comparing the final mean values between the 2 groups, this improvement was comparable for the Schirmer I test (P = 0.179), but TBUT in Tearlose-instilled eyes improved significantly more than in the fellow eyes (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Both Xiloial and Tearlose eye drops improved tear stability and tear production after a 2 week treatment period in eyes with dry eye disease. This improvement was comparable for tear production, but Tearlose-instilled eyes showed significantly greater improvement in tear stability. Further studies with longer follow-up and larger sample sizes could provide more reliable results as a basis for the clinical use of this TSP-containing lubricant eye drop solution in dry eye disease.

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