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Introduction: Calotropis is a member of the milkweed or Asclepiadeae family. The latex of Calotropis gigantea (C gigantea) contains cardiac glycosides, fatty acids and calcium oxalate. The sap of Calotropis procera (C procera) produces acidic latex. Toxic effect of latex manifests after a few hours with diminution of vision due to corneal oedema with folds in Descemet’s membrane. Aim: To evaluate the ocular toxicity by the latex of calotropis procera and calotropis gigantea due to accidental exposure. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted for a duration of six months (September 2018 to February 2019) on 18 patients with alleged accidental exposure to calotropis latex. The patients were examined in the Department of Ophthalmology, Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS), Mandya, Karnataka, India. After a thorough saline wash under topical anaesthesia, visual acuity was measured by using Snellen’s chart, then patients were subjected for slit lamp biomicroscopy examination, Intraocular Pressure (IOP) measurement and undilated fundus examination and the findings were noted. Demographic details like age and sex, activity at time of injury, mode of injury were noted and follow-up was done for a period of 30 days. Data were analysed using Epi info software and descriptive statistics like mean and percentage were calculated. Results: Total 18 patients reported with calotropis associated eye toxicity, among which 11 (61.1%) were of C gigantea and seven (38.9%) were of C procera. Out of total, seven (38.9%) were males and 11 (61.1%) females. A total of 14 (77.8%) patients presented within 24 hours of injury. Eleven (61.1%) patients had involvement of both the eyes. The main symptoms were burning, irritation, foreign body sensation and diminution of vision. Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) varied from 6/9 to 6/60. Corneal oedema or striate keratopathy was the most common sign. Corneal oedema resolved in one week in case of C procera with use of topical corticosteroids except in three cases of C gigantea which took two weeks. Conclusion: C procera and C gigantea causes significant corneal oedema and ocular morbidity. By simple health education and occupational precaution, we can prevent ocular morbidity.

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BACKGROUND India is emerging as worlds' diabetic capital. The cases of diabetic retinopathy are also increasing. We wanted to determine whether contrast sensitivity can be used as early indicator in diabetic retinopathy and also to measure and compare the contrast sensitivity in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus with retinopathy and post-laser photocoagulation and correlate the contrast sensitivity in patients without diabetic retinopathy. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 50 diabetic patients with and without retinopathy and also 30 patients who had undergone laser photocoagulation who were above 30 years. Detailed history was obtained; ocular examination, and measurement of contrast sensitivity with Pelli Robson E and alphabet chart were done. Statistical analysis was done using Spearman's coefficient of correlation, analysed using Epi Data / SPSS. RESULTS Contrast sensitivity was found to be reduced in post laser photocoagulation group and retinopathy group when compared to no retinopathy group. CS value between 'No Retinopathy' and 'Post Laser' groups, the p value by unpaired t test was found be statistically significant (p<0.0001). Similar reduction in CS between 'No Retinopathy' group and 'Retinopathy' group (p<0.0001) was reported. CONCLUSIONS Contrast sensitivity could be a useful and easily available clinical tool in assessing retinal function in diabetic patients at a primary OPD setup.

To describe demographic and clinical profile of patients with vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and to assess the compliance of treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis over a period of 1 year from May 2017 to April 2018. Results: Among 100 patients, VKC was more common among male (67.00%) than female (33.00%) patients with maximum cases seen between 6-10 years of age. Majority of cases reported in summer in the month of March to May (Total: 49.00%). Mixed form was commonest among all 66(66.00%) cases followed by limbal 18(18.00%) and palpebral form 16 (16.00%). Commonest symptom was redness (100%) followed by itching (98%) cases. Palpebral papillae were commonest sign. Mild grade of VKC is commonest. Family history of allergy was noted in 7% of cases. Conclusion: VKC is a bilateral recurrent disorder affects most commonly young males between ages of 6 to 10 years in which both IgE and cell mediated immunity play important roles. Association of family history of allergic disorders was less.VKC is more common in rural area.VKC is one of the leading causes of outpatient ophthalmic morbidity.VKC patients presents usually in a stage of mild to moderate grade. For persistent severe disease needs frequent follow-up.