Background:We evaluated the refractive status and visual function of children with special needs (other handicap) in 2010 and compared them with healthy 1st grade school students in Oman.Materials and Methods:This was a cohort study. Optometrists recorded vision using a logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) chart. Preferential looking method was used for testing 31 children. Cycloplegic refraction was performed on all children. Contrast sensitivity was tested using 2.5%, 10%, and 100% contrast charts. Ocular movement, alignment, and anterior segment were also assessed. A pediatrician reviewed the health records of all the children at the time of their enrollment in this study to determine if the child had been diagnosed with a systemic condition or syndromes. The visual functions were assessed by study investigators. We estimated the rates and the risk of different visual function defects in children with special needs.Result:The prevalence of refractive error in 70 children (4.7 ± 0.8 years) with special needs (group 1) and 175 normal healthy first grade students (group 2) were 58.5% and 2.9%, respectively. The risk of refractive error was significantly higher in children with special needs [relative risk, 48.1 (95% confidence interval, 17.54–131.8)]. Hyperopia (>1.00 D), myopia (≥ 1.00D) and astigmatism (≥ ±1.00 D) were found in 18.6%, 24.3%, and 27.1%, respectively, in group 1. Six children in this group had defective near vision. Sixteen (80%) children with Down syndrome had refractive error. Seven (50%) children with developmental disorder showed decreased contrast sensitivity.Conclusion:Prevalence of uncorrected refractive error was much higher in children with special needs. Prevalence of strabismus, nystagmus, and reduced contrast sensitivity was also higher in children with special needs. Early vision screening, visual function assessment, correction of refractive error, and frequent follow-up are recommended.

Introduction:We assessed the ocular status and visual adaptation among children studying at a school for visually disabled children in Muscat, Oman.Materials and Methods:This descriptive study was conducted in 2009–2010. We assessed the visual and ocular status of the participants. They were interviewed to elicit the past history of eye problems and management. They also expressed their visual adaptation in their ‘day-to-day’ life, and their ambitions.Result:We examined and interviewed 47 participants (29 male and 18 female). The mean age of the participants was 19.7 years (Standard deviation 5.9 years). Twenty-six of them were blind since birth. Phthisical eyes, disfigured eyes and anophthalmic sockets were noted in 19, 58, and six eyes of participants. Twenty-six (55.5%) participants had visual disabilities due to genetic causes, since birth. In 13 participants, further investigations were needed to confirm diagnosis and determine further management After low vision training, 13 participants with residual vision could be integrated in the school with normal children. One participant was recommended stem cell treatment for visual restoration. Five children were advised reconstructive orbital surgery. The participants were not keen to use a white cane for mobility. Some participants, 16 / 28 (57%), with absolute blindness, were not able to read the Braille language. Singing and playing music were not very well-accepted hobbies among the participants. Nineteen participants were keen to become teachers.Conclusions:Children with visual disabilities need to be periodically assessed. The underlying causes of visual disabilities should be further explored to facilitate prevention and genetic counseling. Participants had visual adaptation for daily living and had ambitions for the future.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the world's second most common neurological disorder. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PD. Eugenol is a phytochemical with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The present investigation is aimed to study the effect of eugenol in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induced mouse model of PD and its relationship to antioxidant effect. The effects of seven days of oral pre-treatment and post-treatment with three doses of eugenol (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day) were investigated against the MPTP-induced PD mouse model. In addition to the assessment of behavioural parameters using various tests (actophotometer, beam walking test, catalepsy, rearing, rotarod), biochemical parameters including lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione levels in brain tissues, were also estimated in this study. The binding mode of eugenol in the human myeloid differentiation factor-2 (hMD-2) was also studied. Results showed that MPTP administration in mice resulted in the development of motor dysfunction (impaired motor coordination and hypo locomotion) similar to that of PD in different behavioural studies. Pre-treatment with eugenol reversed motor dysfunction caused by MPTP administration while post-treatment with eugenol at a high dose aggravated the symptoms of akinesia associated with MPTP administration. MPTP resulted in increased lipid peroxidation while decreased reduced glutathione levels in the brains of mice. MPTP-induced increased lipid peroxidation and attenuated levels of reduced glutathione were found to be alleviated with eugenol pre-treatment while augmented with eugenol post-treatment. Eugenol showed a binding affinity of -6.897 kcal/mol against the MD2 coreceptor of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4). Biochemical, as well as neurobehavioral studies, showed that eugenol is having a protective effect, but does not have a curative effect on PD.

Oman is at the threshold of eliminating blinding trachoma. We conducted a community-based survey in 2009-10 to study the association of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) status with visual acuity and blindness among the Omani population aged 40+ years. A total of 8191 eyes were examined and participants' demographic data were collected. TT was absent in 7890 eyes but 227 of these eyes had had lid surgery for TT in the past. TT was detected in 301 eyes, for the first time in 154 eyes and following lid surgery in 147 eyes. The rate of blindness was significantly lower in eyes that had undergone lid surgery in the past (OR = 0.54). In regression analysis the predictors of blindness were participant's age (adjusted OR = 1.01), sex (aOR = 2.01), history of lid surgery (aOR = 3.09) and residence in a hyperendemic trachoma area (aOR = 10.6). Promotion of TT surgery might be beneficial in reducing blindness. (OR = 0,54). À l'analyse de régression, les facteurs prédictifs de la cécité étaient l'âge du patient (OR ajusté = 1,01), le sexe (ORa = 2,01), les antécédents de chirurgie des paupières (ORa = 3,09) et le lieu de résidence dans une zone où le trachome est hyperendémique (ORa = 10,6). La promotion de la chirurgie du trichiasis trachomateux pourrait contribuer à limiter les cas de cécité.

Objective:We present the outcomes of knowledge of diabetes and associated ocular complications among personnel comprising the eye care team in Oman.Materials and Methods:A closed ended questionnaire was administered during November 2008 and November 2009 to eye care team members in six regions of Oman, where trainings were held. All participants of these trainings were included in our study. The questionnaire comprised 15 questions that tested the knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and its ocular complications. They circled the most suitable reply for a list of choices. The replies were compared with the gold standard (answers from a medical retina specialist, a diabetologist's and general ophthalmologists answers). The participants were divided into two groups; acceptable (more than 50% score compared to gold standard) and less than desired (less than 50% score compared to gold standard.) We estimated the areas of acceptable level of knowledge in different subgroups.Results:All 87 (100%) of eye care team members participated. Of the 42 general ophthalmologists, 30 (71.4%) had an acceptable level of knowledge about primary prevention, ideal blood sugar and blood pressure levels and complication of diabetes. The acceptable level of knowledge among mid level eye care providers and general physicians was found in 15 (54.5%) and 4 (33.3%) respondents respectively.Conclusion:Less than the desired number of participants of the eye care team had an acceptable level of knowledge about primary prevention, ideal blood sugar and blood pressure levels and complications of diabetes. The training of eye care personnel need to enhance knowledge in the weak areas is identified in this study.