Department of Ophthalmology

A cross-sectional study of correlation of climatic droplet keratopathy with dry eye, serum proteins, serum calcium and lipid profile.

2026-08-28T13:54:58Z

A cross-sectional study of correlation of climatic droplet keratopathy with dry eye, serum proteins, serum calcium and lipid profile. Vivea Nagdev Background: Climatic Droplet Keratopathy (CDK) is a progressive degenerative condition of the cornea with unclear pathogenesis, though environmental and systemic factors are suspected contributors. This study aimed to explore associations between CDK and dry eye syndrome, serum protein, calcium levels, and lipid profile, to uncover potential systemic and environmental links to disease severity. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center over 18 months, involving 32 CDK patients and 32 matched controls. Participants underwent comprehensive ocular assessments, including Schirmer’s tests and Tear Film Break-Up Time (TBUT), alongside biochemical analyses of serum proteins, calcium, and lipid profile. CDK severity was graded using slit lamp biomicroscopy findings. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v22.0. Results: CDK was significantly more prevalent in older males and those with farming occupations. Bilateral involvement was noted in 81.3% of cases. A significant association was found between CDK and abnormal TBUT (95.3% in cases vs. 56.3% in controls, P<0.001) and reduced Schirmer’s II scores (P=0.001), indicating impaired tear film function and basal tear secretion. Serum calcium levels were inversely correlated with CDK severity (P=0.015), while a significantly lower HDL level was observed in cases compared to controls (P<0.001). VLDL levels also varied significantly with CDK grade (P=0.011). However, serum total protein, albumin, A/G ratio, total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels did not show statistically significant differences. Conclusion: The study highlights significant associations between CDK and tear film instability, reduced basal tear secretion, low HDL, altered VLDL levels, and declining serum calcium with disease progression. These findings support a multifactorial etiology of CDK involving ocular surface dysfunction and systemic metabolic alterations, particularly in rural male populations with high environmental exposure.

Assessment of central corneal thickness and corneal Curvature in pseudoexfoliation patients: a cross sectional Study.

2026-08-28T13:47:35Z

Assessment of central corneal thickness and corneal Curvature in pseudoexfoliation patients: a cross sectional Study. Nitheesha Vaddeboina. Background: The central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal curvature plays an important role in the accurate measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP), an important factor in the management of glaucoma. In this study comparision of central corneal thickness and corneal curvature among individuals with and without PXF is done to know the precision of IOP readings in PXF patients to aid earlier detection of glaucoma and management. Methods: 53 pseudoexfoliation (PXF) patients and 53 control patients were enrolled in the study. The CCT, Corneal curvature, intraocular pressure, were measured by OCT, pachymeter, autorefractokeratometer, Schiotz tonometer, respectively. The independent samples t test and paired samples t test was used for the comparisons of the groups. Results: There was no difference in CCT between PEX and control eyes (P=0.626). The keratometry values, K1 and K2, were significantly different between PXF cases and controls in both the right (OD) and left (OS) eyes. In both the eyes, the mean K1 was significantly lower in PXF patients compared to controls with a( P=0.024). Similarly, K2 in both eyes was lower in PXF cases than in controls with a statistically significant (P=0.005). Conclusions: This study demonstrates corneas with significantly decreased K1 and K2 values in pseudoexfoliation patients compared to the controls. Flatter corneas underestimate the intraocular pressure. Early recognition of corneal flattening in PXF patients can improve glaucoma risk identification and management. In the present study there is no significant difference noted in central corneal thickness between cases and controls. For the measurement of central corneal thickness, advanced imaging modalities, such as anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) is used in the present study. Integrating these findings into routine ophthalmic practice will enhance diagnostic precision and optimize patient outcomes in PXF-related ocular disorders.

A prospective study of dry eye after cataract surgery

2026-08-28T13:37:17Z

A prospective study of dry eye after cataract surgery Mayuri B Saruk Background: Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a common yet often underrecognized complication following cataract surgery, impacting patient comfort and visual outcomes. With advancing age, altered ocular surface physiology, and variable surgical and postoperative practices, the risk of DED becomes more pronounced. Objectives: To evaluate the incidence, severity, and risk factors associated with Dry Eye Disease in patients undergoing cataract surgery, and to compare its occurrence across different age groups, genders, surgical techniques, comorbidities (particularly diabetes), and types of postoperative medications. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 340 patients undergoing cataract surgery. Patients were assessed preoperatively and followed up at 1 week and 4 weeks postoperatively. Schirmer’s test, Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT), and corneal staining scores were recorded. The type of surgery (phacoemulsification vs. SICS), postoperative eye drops (preservative- containing vs. preservative-free steroids), and presence of diabetes were also analyzed in relation to DED incidence. Results: The highest incidence of DED was observed at 1 week postoperatively (57.3%), which declined to 41.8% at 4 weeks. A statistically significant decrease in mean Schirmer’s values (14.2 ± 3.5 mm pre-op to 9.8 ± 2.9 mm at 1 week) and TBUT (11.5 ± 2.8 sec to 7.3 ± 2.1 sec) was noted (p<0.001). Females (54.4%) and patients aged 56–65 years (41.2%) had a higher prevalence. SICS had a higher incidence of DED (60.5% at 1 week) compared to phacoemulsification (54.8%). Use of preservative-containing steroids was associated with higher DED incidence (67.6% vs. 32.4%). Diabetic patients had significantly higher risk (66.7%) compared to non- diabetics (35.7%). Conclusion: Cataract surgery leads to a transient but clinically significant incidence of Dry Eye Disease, especially in older individuals, females, diabetic patients, and those undergoing SICS or receiving preservative-containing eye drops. Preoperative screening and postoperative management strategies targeting these risk groups are essential to reduce DED burden and improve postoperative comfort and outcomes.

A comparative study on association between systemic hypertension, perfusion pressure and glaucoma in an adult population of north karnataka

2026-08-28T13:31:25Z

A comparative study on association between systemic hypertension, perfusion pressure and glaucoma in an adult population of north karnataka Lingamaneni Sneha Purpose: Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness, involves progressive retinal ganglion cell loss and optic nerve damage. It affects 3.54% of individuals aged 40-80, with a higher prevalence in Africa and Asia. Raised intraocular pressure is a known risk factor, but blood supply to the optic nerve also plays a role. Systemic hypertension and nocturnal blood pressure drops may influence glaucoma, though their exact relationship remains unclear. This study aims to examine the impact of blood pressure and perfusion pressures on glaucoma in North Karnataka’s adult population. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study on the association between systemic hypertension, perfusion pressure, and glaucoma was conducted in hypertensives and normotensives from May 2023 to December 2024. A comprehensive eye examination was conducted, including blood pressure and intraocular pressure measurements, from which mean perfusion pressures were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test, Mann Whitney U test, Spearman rho and Kruskal Wallis Test at p<0.05 significance. Results: This study evaluated 168 participants (84 hypertensive cases and 84 normotensive controls). Hypertensive individuals showed significantly higher intraocular and ocular perfusion pressure than controls at all time intervals (p<0.05). Blood pressure was highest at 1 pm and 6 pm. OPP values were positively correlated with systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures (P<0.05). Antihypertensive medications significantly influenced OPP, with patients on combined medications showing the highest OPP. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of screening hypertensive individuals for glaucoma, emphasizing the need to carefully evaluate blood pressure, intraocular pressure and ocular perfusion pressures. Managing these factors is crucial for preventing optic nerve damage and glaucoma progression.