MyMedR

Fulltext Ocular relapse in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report

Cheong SK, Tan PL

Med J Malaysia, 1985 Jun;40(2):132-5.

A female Malay patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in remission for one year developed bilateral visual loss. The ophthalmoscopic appearance showed infiltration of optic nerves and retinae by leukemic cells. At that time, her blood, bone marrow and cerebral spinal fluid remained normal. She had received prophylactic cranial irradiation and intrathecal methotrexate as part of the treatment programme. It was likely therefore she had a leukemic relapse from a pharmacologic sanctuary in the eyes. She responded to local irradiation but did not regain her sight. Three months later, she had a bone marrow relapse.

Matched MeSH terms: Blindness/etiology*

Transient blindness in pregnancy induced hypertension

Achanna S, Monga D, Sivagnanam

Asia Oceania J Obstet Gynaecol, 1994 Mar;20(1):49-52.

PMID: 8172527

Sudden blindness in pregnancy is a devastating experience for the patient, her family and the treating obstetrician. Four cases of cortical blindness with pregnancy induced hypertension are presented, seen at the General Hospital Kota Bharu, Kelantan, in 1990. The incidence at the GHKB was 1: 1559 (4 cases out of 6,237 deliveries) which is higher as compared to neighbouring Singapore. The pathophysiology of this condition is still not well understood, though it is hoped that newer sophisticated imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT scan, and blood flow waveform analysis by Doppler ultrasound will throw some light on the subject. Two of our cases presented with antepartum and two with postpartum cortical blindness. Therefore, termination of pregnancy alone may not provide the solution to this therapeutic dilemma.

Matched MeSH terms: Blindness/etiology*

Intraocular parasitism

Rose L

Med J Malaya, 1965 Sep;20(1):65-7.

PMID: 4221425

Matched MeSH terms: Blindness/etiology*

Causes of blindness in Singapore

Lim KH

Med J Malaysia, 1975 Jun;29(4):263-9.

PMID: 1196175

Matched MeSH terms: Blindness/etiology*

Transient blindness in pregnancy induced hypertension

Nalliah S, Thavarashah AS

Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 1989 Jul;29(3):249-51.

PMID: 2569423

Transient blindness associated with pregnancy induced hypertension without neurological symptoms is a rare phenomenon. The blindness in these cases is postulated to be of "cortical blindness". Two such cases occurring immediately after childbirth are presented. The ophthalmic manifestations of this complication of pregnancy induced hypertension and the importance of an urgent evaluation are discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: Blindness/etiology*

The binding lesions of leprosy

Hobbs HE, Choyce DP

Lepr Rev, 1971 Jun;42(2):131-7.

PMID: 5150031

Matched MeSH terms: Blindness/etiology*

Fulltext Factors Influencing Visual Improvement after Phacoemulsification Surgery among Malaysian Cataract Patients

Sa'at N, Ghazali AK, Yaacob NM, Salowi MA

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Sep 13;19(18).

PMID: 36141761 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811485

Blindness and visual impairment are part of the global burden of eye disease, with cataract being one of the leading causes of blindness. This study aimed to determine the factors affecting visual acuity (VA) improvement among cataract patients after phacoemulsification surgery in Malaysia. Cataract patients aged over 18 who underwent phacoemulsification surgery between January 2014 and December 2018 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Patients' sociodemographic, comorbidities, surgical, and related complication factors were extracted from the National Eye Database. The outcome was measured by the difference in visual acuity before and after the operation and was categorized as "improved", "no change", and "worse". A total of 180,776 patients were included in the final analysis. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed "no changes in VA" was significantly higher in patients aged less than 40 years old (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.26), patients with ocular comorbidities (OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.53, 1.77), patients who had undergone surgery lasting more than 60 min (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.69), patients who had surgery without an intraocular lens (IOL) (OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.20, 2.26), and patients with postoperative complications (OR: 8.76; 95% CI: 8.13, 9.45). Worsening VA was significantly higher among male patients (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.22), patients who had ocular comorbidities (OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.59, 1.96), patients who had undergone surgery lasting more than 60 min (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.57, 2.41), patients who had surgery without an IOL (OR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.48, 2.80), and patients with postoperative complications (OR: 21.46; 95% CI: 19.35, 23.80). The factors impacting "no changes" in and "worsening" of VA after cataract surgery were the following: older age, male gender, ethnicity, ocular comorbidities, surgeon grade, absence of IOL, intraoperative complication, and postoperative problems.

Matched MeSH terms: Blindness/etiology

Fulltext Diabetic retinopathy: a comprehensive update on in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo experimental models

Sadikan MZ, Abdul Nasir NA, Lambuk L, Mohamud R, Reshidan NH, Low E, et al.

BMC Ophthalmol, 2023 Oct 19;23(1):421.

PMID: 37858128 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-023-03155-1

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), one of the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness worldwide, is one of the major microvascular complications in diabetes mellitus (DM). Globally, DR prevalence among DM patients is 25%, and 6% have vision-threatening problems among them. With the higher incidence of DM globally, more DR cases are expected to be seen in the future. In order to comprehend the pathophysiological mechanism of DR in humans and discover potential novel substances for the treatment of DR, investigations are typically conducted using various experimental models. Among the experimental models, in vivo models have contributed significantly to understanding DR pathogenesis. There are several types of in vivo models for DR research, which include chemical-induced, surgical-induced, diet-induced, and genetic models. Similarly, for the in vitro models, there are several cell types that are utilised in DR research, such as retinal endothelial cells, Müller cells, and glial cells. With the advancement of DR research, it is essential to have a comprehensive update on the various experimental models utilised to mimic DR environment. This review provides the update on the in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo models used in DR research, focusing on their features, advantages, and limitations.

Matched MeSH terms: Blindness/etiology

A comparative analysis of avoidable causes of childhood blindness in Malaysia with low income, middle income and high income countries

Koay CL, Patel DK, Tajunisah I, Subrayan V, Lansingh VC

Int Ophthalmol, 2015 Apr;35(2):201-7.

PMID: 24652461 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-014-9932-x

To determine the avoidable causes of childhood blindness in Malaysia and to compare this to other middle income countries, low income countries and high income countries. Data were obtained from a school of the blind study by Patel et al. and analysed for avoidable causes of childhood blindness. Six other studies with previously published data on childhood blindness in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Indonesia, China and the United Kingdom were reviewed for avoidable causes. Comparisons of data and limitations of the studies are described. Prevalence of avoidable causes of childhood blindness in Malaysia is 50.5 % of all the cases of childhood blindness, whilst in the poor income countries such as Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Indonesia, the prevalence was in excess of 60 %. China had a low prevalence, but this is largely due to the fact that most schools were urban, and thus did not represent the situation of the country. High income countries had the lowest prevalence of avoidable childhood blindness. In middle income countries, such as Malaysia, cataract and retinopathy of prematurity are the main causes of avoidable childhood blindness. Low income countries continue to struggle with infections such as measles and nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin A, both of which are the main contributors to childhood blindness. In high income countries, such as the United Kingdom, these problems are almost non-existent.

Matched MeSH terms: Blindness/etiology

Fulltext Unilateral visual loss after spine surgery in the prone position for extradural haematoma in a healthy young man

Ooi EI, Ahem A, Zahidin AZ, Bastion ML

BMJ Case Rep, 2013;2013.

PMID: 24334521 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2013-200632

This case reports a patient who developed central retinal artery occlusion following spinal surgery in the prone position. When placed in this position, especially as a result of malposition of the head, the patient may develop external compression of the eye which leads to central retinal artery occlusion. Therefore, a special precaution must be given for adequate eye protection during prolonged prone-positioned spine surgery.

Matched MeSH terms: Blindness/etiology*

Fulltext Childhood blindness and severe visual impairment in Malaysia: a nationwide study

Patel DK, Tajunisah I, Gilbert C, Subrayan V

Eye (Lond), 2011 Apr;25(4):436-42.

PMID: 21350565 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2011.19

To determine the causes of childhood blindness and severe visual impairment (BL/SVI) in schools for the blind in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Blindness/etiology*

Fulltext Prevalence and causes of visual impairment and blindness in a rural population in Sepang district, Selangor

Reddy SC, Rampal L, Nurulaini O

Med J Malaysia, 2004 Jun;59(2):212-7.

PMID: 15559172 MyJurnal

A community based cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and causes of visual impairment and blindness in residents aged forty years and above in kampung Jenderam Hilir of Sepang district, Selangor state. A total of 311 out of 341 (91.3%) respondents participated in this study. The prevalence of visual impairment and blindness observed was 18.9% and 2.9% respectively. The prevalence of visual impairment and blindness increased significantly with age. Amongst the 159 respondents who agreed for eye checkup, refractive errors (56%), cataract (20.1%), glaucoma (4.4%) and diabetic retinopathy (1.3%) were found to be causing visual impairment and blindness.

Matched MeSH terms: Blindness/etiology*

Bone in the eye

Jumaat BH, Dahalan A, Mohamad M

Am J Ophthalmol, 2003 Feb;135(2):254-6.

PMID: 12566045

PURPOSE: To report a case of choroidal osteoma presenting with massive subretinal hemorrhage not associated with choroidal neovascularisation (CNV).

DESIGN: Case report.

METHODS: An 18-year-old man presented with sudden loss of vision in the right eye following competitive swimming. He was found to have a massive subretinal hemorrhage involving the macula.

RESULTS: Following resolution of the hemorrhage, the patient was found to have an underlying choroidal osteoma. There was no evidence of choroidal neovascularisation clinically and angiographically. He regained his normal vision.

CONCLUSIONS: Choroidal osteoma presenting with massive subretinal hemorrhage not associated with underlying choroidal neovascularization need not result in poor visual outcome.

Matched MeSH terms: Blindness/etiology

Causes of childhood blindness in Malaysia: results from a national study of blind school students

Reddy SC, Tan BC

Int Ophthalmol, 2001;24(1):53-9.

PMID: 11998890

A national study was conducted in children attending six schools for the blind in Malaysia to identify the anatomical site and underlying causes of blindness (BL) and severe visual impairment (SVI), with a view to determine the potentially preventable and treatable causes so that appropriate control measures can be implemented in the future. The standardized clinical examination of eyes was performed and the findings were recorded on the WHO Prevention of Blindness Programme eye examination record form for children with blindness and low vision. A total of 358 children aged between 7 and 17 years were examined, of whom 332 (92.7%) were blind or severely visually impaired. The results relate to these 332 children. Lens was the major anatomical site (22.3%) of visual loss followed by retina (20.8%), whole globe (17.2%), cornea (15.1%), optic nerve (8.7%) and uvea (5.1%). Glaucoma was responsible for BL/SVI in 7.2% and others in 3.6% of cases. Hereditary diseases were responsible for visual loss in 29.5%, intrauterine factors in 4.5%, perinatal factors in 9% and childhood factors in 7.8% of cases. However, the aetiology was unknown in 49.1% of cases which included congenital anomalies of the globe. Childhood cataract and corneal scarring are major treatable causes of BL/SVI that can benefit from future intervention strategies. Perinatal screening for intrauterine factors and hereditary eye diseases, and appropriate interventional therapy will help in reducing the prevalence of childhood blindness.

Matched MeSH terms: Blindness/etiology*

Fulltext A study of perforating eye injuries at the Ophthalmology Department, National University of Malaysia

Zainal M, Goh PP

Med J Malaysia, 1997 Mar;52(1):12-6.

PMID: 10968048

One hundred and sixty seven (167) perforating eye injuries involving 159 patients were analyzed in a retrospective study over a three-year period. The degree of blindness and their associated factors were determined. Most patients were in the first three decades of life and were males. One hundred and seven (64%) eyes had vision of 3/60 or worse at initial assessment. Of these only 45% of eyes had improved vision to 6/36 or better at six months of follow-up. Fifty-five per cent of eyes were blind. The only significant associated factor identified was the extent of injury. Age, time interval and mechanism of injury were not significant factors.

Matched MeSH terms: Blindness/etiology

Ocular complications in longstanding leprosy patients at the Tampoi Leprosarium, Johore, West Malaysia

Deva JP

Med J Malaysia, 1976 Mar;30(3):201-6.

PMID: 183087

Matched MeSH terms: Blindness/etiology

Fulltext Molecular mechanisms of diabetic retinopathy, general preventive strategies, and novel therapeutic targets

Safi SZ, Qvist R, Kumar S, Batumalaie K, Ismail IS

Biomed Res Int, 2014;2014:801269.

PMID: 25105142 DOI: 10.1155/2014/801269

The growing number of people with diabetes worldwide suggests that diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) will continue to be sight threatening factors. The pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy is a widespread cause of visual impairment in the world and a range of hyperglycemia-linked pathways have been implicated in the initiation and progression of this condition. Despite understanding the polyol pathway flux, activation of protein kinase C (KPC) isoforms, increased hexosamine pathway flux, and increased advanced glycation end-product (AGE) formation, pathogenic mechanisms underlying diabetes induced vision loss are not fully understood. The purpose of this paper is to review molecular mechanisms that regulate cell survival and apoptosis of retinal cells and discuss new and exciting therapeutic targets with comparison to the old and inefficient preventive strategies. This review highlights the recent advancements in understanding hyperglycemia-induced biochemical and molecular alterations, systemic metabolic factors, and aberrant activation of signaling cascades that ultimately lead to activation of a number of transcription factors causing functional and structural damage to retinal cells. It also reviews the established interventions and emerging molecular targets to avert diabetic retinopathy and its associated risk factors.

Matched MeSH terms: Blindness/etiology

Fulltext The Kuala Pilah cluster cataract study: Accessible eye care reduces cataract blindness

Nur Hanis Y, Raman P, Premala Devi S, Mohd Khalid KH

Med J Malaysia, 2019 08;74(4):296-299.

PMID: 31424036

OBJECTIVE: The Ministry of Health introduced the cluster hospital project in Kuala Pilah district in 2016 to allow sharing of resources between the hospitals in the same vicinity. The aim of this study is to compare the demographic profile, prevalence of cataract blindness and low vision among patients who presented for cataract surgery before and after the programme.

METHODOLOGY: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent cataract surgery in Kuala Pilah Cluster Hospitals between 2010 and 2017. A total of 2539 records of patients were reviewed. Patients were assigned into two groups: Group 1 (2010-2012)- before the programme (2010-2012) and Group 2 (2015-2017) after the introduction of the programme.

RESULTS: There was a significant increase in number of cataract cases in the district hospital after the cluster initiative. The mean age of patients undergoing cataract surgery was similar in both groups. The common comorbidities were hypertension (Group 1=57.3%; Group 2=70.8%) and diabetes mellitus (Group 1=40.6%; Group 2=51.1%). In 2010-2012, most of the patients were one eye blind (34.4%), whereas in 2015-2017 majority of patients presented with vision better than 6/18 (43.5%). The proportion of patients with cataract blindness reduced from 6% in 2010-2012 to 4.3% in 2015-2017 (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION: There is a significant decrease in percentage of patients with cataract blindness and low vision after the introduction of Kuala Pilah Cluster Hospital Program. We believe that that cluster hospital system is effective in improving accessibility to eye care and therefore increases the cataract detection rate.

Matched MeSH terms: Blindness/etiology

Fulltext Ocular manifestation of vitamin A deficiency among Orang asli (Aborigine) children in Malaysia

Ngah NF, Moktar N, Isa NH, Selvara S, Yusof MS, Sani HA, et al.

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2002;11(2):88-91.

PMID: 12074186

This study determined the prevalence of ocular manifestation of vitamin A deficiency in Orang Asli (Aborigine) children. Night blindness was found in 16.0% of the children, conjunctiva xerosis in 57.3%, Bitot's spot in 2.8%, corneal xerosis in 0.5% and corneal scars in 5.6%. These findings show that history of night blindness had sensitivity, specificity and predictive value (positive) of 47.2, 98.1 and 96.2%, respectively, compared with the standard diagnosis procedure using luxometer readings.

Matched MeSH terms: Night Blindness/etiology*

Prevalence of blindness and low vision in Malaysian population: results from the National Eye Survey 1996

Zainal M, Ismail SM, Ropilah AR, Elias H, Arumugam G, Alias D, et al.

Br J Ophthalmol, 2002 Sep;86(9):951-6.

PMID: 12185113

BACKGROUND: A national eye survey was conducted in 1996 to determine the prevalence of blindness and low vision and their major causes among the Malaysian population of all ages.

METHODS: A stratified two stage cluster sampling design was used to randomly select primary and secondary sampling units. Interviews, visual acuity tests, and eye examinations on all individuals in the sampled households were performed. Estimates were weighted by factors adjusting for selection probability, non-response, and sampling coverage.

RESULTS: The overall response rate was 69% (that is, living quarters response rate was 72.8% and household response rate was 95.1%). The age adjusted prevalence of bilateral blindness and low vision was 0.29% (95% CI 0.19 to 0.39%), and 2.44% (95% CI 2.18 to 2.69%) respectively. Females had a higher age adjusted prevalence of low vision compared to males. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of bilateral low vision and blindness among the four ethnic groups, and urban and rural residents. Cataract was the leading cause of blindness (39%) followed by retinal diseases (24%). Uncorrected refractive errors (48%) and cataract (36%) were the major causes of low vision.

CONCLUSION: Malaysia has blindness and visual impairment rates that are comparable with other countries in the South East Asia region. However, cataract and uncorrected refractive errors, though readily treatable, are still the leading causes of blindness, suggesting the need for an evaluation on accessibility and availability of eye care services and barriers to eye care utilisation in the country.

Matched MeSH terms: Blindness/etiology

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