Unilateral Frosted Branch Angiitis Treated with Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant
Nishikant Borse,
Veena Borse
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, September 2020
Pages:
75-79
Received:
17 July 2020
Accepted:
24 August 2020
Published:
24 September 2020
Abstract: Frosted branch angiitis (FBA), a relatively rare condition, is a retinal perivasculitis with severe retinal vessel sheathing resembling the frosted branches of a tree. It can be a Primary Idiopathic FBA or Secondary FBA when associated with systemic conditions like viral infections, sarcoid etc. Primary frosted branch angiitis causes characteristic florid, translucent retinal perivascular sheathing of both arterioles and venules in association with variable uveitis, retinal edema and visual loss. Additional retinal findings may include intraretinal haemorrhages, hard exudates, and serous exudative detachments of the macula and periphery. It is unclear whether retinal frosted branch angiitis is a distinct clinical syndrome or a clinical sign increasingly recognised in a number of inflammatory conditions. Hence, retinal frosted branch angiitis may be more of a sign than a separate disease. Treatment is usually with corticosteroids and normally leads to a good visual recovery. We report a case of primary unilateral frosted branch angiitis with large areas of capillary drop out and severe macular edema. It was successfully managed with intravitreal injection of Dexamethasone Implant (Ozurdex TM) in conjunction with a very short course of systemic steroids. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of primary unilateral FBA treated with systemic steroids and an intravitreal dexamethasone implant.
Abstract: Frosted branch angiitis (FBA), a relatively rare condition, is a retinal perivasculitis with severe retinal vessel sheathing resembling the frosted branches of a tree. It can be a Primary Idiopathic FBA or Secondary FBA when associated with systemic conditions like viral infections, sarcoid etc. Primary frosted branch angiitis causes characteristic...
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Demographics of Patients Using Harmful/Traditional Eye Medications in Anya Specialist Eye Clinic, Umuahia, South East Nigeria
Kalu Anya,
Nwachukwu Kennedy Ugo,
Otuka Olufunmi Ijeoma,
Eweputanna Lisa
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, September 2020
Pages:
80-83
Received:
30 August 2020
Accepted:
28 September 2020
Published:
12 October 2020
Abstract: Background: Traditional eye medication (TEM) is common in Sub-Saharan Africa especially as it is part of the well practiced Traditional Alternate and Complementary Medicine. Despite several observed harmful effects and documented ocular morbidity from TEM, and the fact that the TEMs have no scientific background to their use, they are applied to the eyes as medication. This study is to look at the demographics of the patients with a history of TEM use presenting to a private clinic in South East Nigeria, with a view of targeted health education and promotion. Method: A retrospective review of patients’ hospital records, seen in Anya Specialist Eye Clinic, Umuahia Abia State Nigeria, between January 2019 and June 2020 was done. Data from patients’ records who self-reported to have used Harmful/Traditional Eye Medications before presentation at the clinic, during the period under consideration were selected, and their social/demographic characteristics extracted. Results: A total of 42 subjects with TEM use were recorded. There were 27 males (64.3%) and 15 females (35.7%) with age range from 0 to 70 years. Their educational levels were; no formal education (26.1%), primary (24%), secondary (28.5%) and tertiary (21.5%). More than 57% of the subjects were peasant farmers or unemployed, while 24%, 4.7%, 4.7% and 2.4% were traders, students, retired civil servants and teachers respectively. Conclusion: Farmers and unemployed subjects were more likely to use harmful TEM than other occupations. Surprisingly educational level did not significantly influence the rate of use of TEM. The assumption that individuals with higher educational status have a lower risk of TEM use may be erroneous. There should be an increase in awareness of the dangers of TEM use to the general public.
Abstract: Background: Traditional eye medication (TEM) is common in Sub-Saharan Africa especially as it is part of the well practiced Traditional Alternate and Complementary Medicine. Despite several observed harmful effects and documented ocular morbidity from TEM, and the fact that the TEMs have no scientific background to their use, they are applied to th...
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