Purpose: To describe the prevalence, characteristics including risk factors, and pattern of severe ROP from eastern Madhya Pradesh region of India. Methods: In this 5-year retrospective study, Baseline characteristics, systemic risk factors, and findings of ROP screening were noted. Factors associated with severe ROP including aggressive posterior ROP (APROP), stage IV and V ROP were analyzed. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Results: Of 763 babies screened, 30% were diagnosed to have ROP. Prevalence of severe ROP was 14.2% (109) of which 60 (55.5%) were classic and 30 (27.7%) were APROP. Eighteen (16.6%) were diagnosed as advanced ROP (stage IV and V). Mean gestational age (GA) and birth weight (BW) for severe ROP were 31.05 weeks and 1.34 kg, respectively which were inversely associated with severe ROP. But a significant 10% of severe ROP were seen in late preterm babies, >34 weeks. Low GA and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) were significant risk factors for APROP. Most important factor for stage IV and V ROP was late presentation for screening. Conclusion: The study found a high prevalence of severe ROP including APROP. Almost 7% severe ROP cases were outside screening guidelines of NNF. Late presentation for screening is the most important factor associated with ROP related blindness.

Ophthalmomyiasis is the infestation of human eye by the larvae of certain flies. Sheep botfly commonly manifests as Ophthalmomyiasis externa when there is conjunctival involvement or rarely as Opthalmomyiasis interna when there is larval penetration into the eyeball. It appears to be more common than what has been indicated by previously published reports. We present a report of seven cases of Ophthalmomyiasis by Oestrus ovis, from central India who presented with features of conjunctivitis varying between mild to severe. The larvae were seen in bulbar and palpebral conjunctiva and also entangled in lashes with discharge. Since the larvae are photophobic, it is prudent to look for them in the fornices and also in discharge. Prompt removal of the larvae from the conjunctiva helps in relieving the symptoms and also prevents serious complications. Taxonomic identification of the species is important to estimate the risk of globe penetration by the larvae.

mately 6.8 million people have been estimated to have vision less than 6/60 in at least one eye due to corneal diseases; of these, about a million have bilateral involvement. [3,4] The burden of corneal disease in our country is reflected by the fact that 90% global cases of ocular trauma and corneal ulceration leading to corneal blindness occur in developing countries. [5] The prevalence of corneal blindness varies from country to country and even from one population to another. Its epidemiology is complicated and encompasses a wide variety of infectious and inflammatory eye diseases. As trachoma and vitamin A deficiency become less common, suppurative keratitis is becoming the major cause of corneal blindness in the developing world. [6] Whereas contact lens use is a major risk factor for corneal ulceration in the developed world, a high prevalence of fungal infections, agriculture-related trauma, and use of traditional eye medicines (TEMs) is unique to the developing world. [7,8] Background: Instillation of traditional eye medicines (TEMs) into the eye is one of the causes associated with poor visual outcome and corneal blindness. Objective: To determine the use of TEM and factors for its use in patients with corneal ulcer. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 189 new patients with corneal ulcer attending cornea clinic of Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh (India). After complete eye examination, information was collected for use of TEM, sociodemographic profile, symptoms necessitating its use, and complication. Necessary treatment was given and final visual outcome was noted. Lab investigations were performed to identify organism. Result: TEM was used by 38% subjects, especially females and subjects residing in rural areas were found to be significantly associated with its use. Majority of TEM users were farmers (51.4%). The most common symptom was poor vision (66.7%) for use of TEM. Breast milk (40%) and plant products (29%) were most commonly applied TEMs. Central and entire corneal involvement was found to be significantly high among TEM users. Scarring and perforation occurred in 70.8% and 31.9% TEM users, respectively. No significant difference was found between organism identified and the use of TEM. Visual acuity up to 6/18 was found to be higher among non-TEM users (23.9%) as compared to TEM users (9.7%). At presentation, 38.9% TEM users had already lost their vision. Significant difference was found between presenting visual acuity and final visual acuity achieved in both groups. Conclusion: Intensive health education is needed for encouraging the uptake of eye care services, particularly in rural areas.

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