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Postoperative Care & Treatment After Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS)

Proper postoperative care is crucial for   preventing complications, ensuring healing, and achieving optimal visual outcomes   after SICS. Below is a structured guide: 1. Immediate Postoperative Care (First 24 Hours) A. Eye Protection Eye Shield : Apply a rigid shield (preferably metal) to prevent accidental rubbing/trauma. Avoid Pressure : No straining, heavy lifting, or bending. B. Medications (Starting Immediately After Surgery) i) Topical Antibiotics  (Prevent Infection) Moxifloxacin 0.5%  or  Gatifloxacin 0.3%  –  4 times/day for 1-2 weeks . ii) Topical Steroids  (Reduce Inflammation) Prednisolone acetate 1%  or  Dexamethasone 0.1%  –  6 times/day (taper over 4-6 weeks) . iii) NSAID Eye Drops  (Prevent CME & Pain) Nepafenac 0.1%  or  Bromfenac 0.09%  –  3 times/day for 4-6 weeks . iv) Cycloplegic (If Significant Inflammation) Homatropine 2%  or  Cyclopentolate 1%  –  2-3 tim...

Preoperative Preparation for Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS)

Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) is a manual, sutureless technique widely used in resource-limited settings. Proper preoperative preparation ensures  safety, efficiency, and optimal outcomes . 1. Patient Evaluation & Selection A. Medical History Ocular History : Duration & progression of cataract. Previous eye surgeries/trauma. History of glaucoma, uveitis, or retinal disease. Systemic History : Diabetes, hypertension (controlled?). Bleeding disorders (e.g., on anticoagulants?). Chronic respiratory/cardiac conditions. B. Ocular Examination Visual Acuity  (UCVA & BCVA). Slit-Lamp Exam : Corneal clarity (rule out keratitis). Lens density (nuclear, cortical, posterior subcapsular). Pupil Dilation  (assess dilation adequacy). Intraocular Pressure (IOP)  (rule out glaucoma). Fundus Exam  (if possible, check for retinal issues). C. Biometry & IOL Power Calculation Keratometry  (manual/automated). A-Scan Ultrasound  (axial length measure...

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

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Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)   is a progressive eye disease and the leading cause of   central vision loss   in people over 50. It affects the   macula , the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision needed for reading, driving, and recognizing faces. Types of AMD 1. Dry (Atrophic) AMD (90% of cases) Cause : Gradual breakdown of light-sensitive cells (photoreceptors) and  drusen  (yellow deposits under the retina). Symptoms : Blurred central vision Difficulty recognizing faces Need for brighter light when reading Progression : Slow, but can advance to  geographic atrophy  (severe thinning of retinal layers). Treatment : 1.No cure , but  AREDS2 supplements  (vitamins C, E, zinc, copper, lutein, zeaxanthin) may slow progression. Lifestyle changes  (quit smoking, UV protection, healthy diet rich in leafy greens). 2. Wet (Neovascular/Exudative) AMD (10% of cases, more severe) Cause : Abnormal blood vessels grow ...

Retinal vascular disorders

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  Retinal vascular disorders encompass a variety of conditions that affect the blood vessels of the retina, potentially leading to vision impairment or blindness if untreated. Here’s an overview of key retinal vascular disorders: 1. Diabetic Retinopathy Cause : Damage to retinal blood vessels due to chronic high blood sugar (diabetes). Types : Non-Proliferative (NPDR) : Microaneurysms, hemorrhages, exudates. Proliferative (PDR) : Abnormal new vessel growth, leading to vitreous hemorrhage or retinal detachment. Symptoms : Blurred vision, floaters, vision loss. Treatment : Tight glycemic control. Laser photocoagulation  (for PDR or macular edema). Anti-VEGF injections  (e.g., bevacizumab, ranibizumab). Vitrectomy  (in advanced cases). 2. Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) Types : Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) Cause : Thrombosis in retinal veins, often due to hypertension, diabetes, or glaucoma. Symptoms : Sudden painless vision lo...