| Warning over MRSA cases
For the first time refractive surgery has been linked to a risk of developing MRSA keratitis, a study in the April edition of the American Journal of Ophthalmogy has revealed. Researchers found MRSA infections in the eyes of 12 patients after refractive surgery, nine of whom were either healthcare workers or exposed to a hospital surgical setting. All patients had decreased visual acuity and complained of pain and irritation in the eye. Slit-lamp biomicroscopies revealed corneal epithelial defects, focal infiltrates with surrounding oedema, conjunctival injection, purulent discharge and hypopyon. According to a computerised Medline literature search, this is the first case series of infectious keratitis after refractive surgery. One of the study authors, Eric D Donnenfeld, advised surgeons to be vigilant for community-acquired MRSA keratitis and to inform all patients of the risk factors.
Early Stat Care numbers encouraging
By JOE SPAULDING Initial numbers for the new Adams Memorial Hospital's (AMH) Stat Care facility, which offers quick and easy treatment for non-emergency illnesses and other medical problems, have been encouraging, according to a report given by Adams Memorial Hospital Executive Director Marvin L. Baird to the AMH board of trustees Wednesday night. Nearly 200 patients were seen in the first three weeks of operation for an average of 9.4 patients per day. The clinic operates from 4:30-9:30 Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Baird estimated the clinic would need to see about 10-12 patients per shift to break even financially (charges at Stat Care are considerably less than what a patient would receive at the emergency room). The clinic is currently being staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
LASIK eye surgery: Is it the right choice for you?
Tired of the daily hassle of putting in contacts or wearing glasses? There are many types of procedures to choose from when wanting to improve your vision. The most popular is LASIK eye surgery, which is beneficial because of the minimal amount of pain or discomfort most patients experience.
Most people suffering with poor eye vision want immediate results. LASIK can be considered a "quick fix" surgery; improved vision can occur the very next day. The actual procedure only takes about five minutes and both nearsighted and farsighted people can benefit from this procedure.
There is no reason to be scared of pain because special drops anesthetize your eyes. A type of retainer is used to keep the eyelid open, making it easy for the surgeon to work.
During the procedure, the doctor uses an instrument called microkeratome to create a thin line on the cornea in order to fold that flap back.
DOHMS facilities to offer quality lasik treatment from next month
DUBAI Public healthcare units in Dubai are all set to offer lasik treatment for opthamological problems from next month according to the head of the Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS), Dubai. This was told to the Evening Post by Qadhi Saeed Murooshid, Director General of DOHMS on the sidelines of the 9th Middle East African Council of Opthamology (MEACO) conference, being held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Minister of Finance and Industry and Deputy Ruler of Dubai. Quality lasik treatment will be available for all patients at DOHMS facilities from next month. In addition to this, we are also introducing technology and training experts to treat opthamological disorders related to diabetes, said Murooshid. The UAE is one of the participating countries at the 9th MEACO conference being held at the Dubai International Convention Centre.
The Perils of PERRLA
Background: The pupillary examination is arguably the single most useful clinical test of the nervous system in the conscious or unconscious patient. When properly done with a few swings of a light, the examination can assess the functional status of the retina, optic nerve, contralateral optic tract, cranial nerve III, dorsal midbrain, and sympathetic chain from the hypothalamus down to the lower cervical spinal cord and up to the cavernous sinus and orbit. The results of normal pupil testing are frequently documented with PERRLA (pupils equal, round, reactive to light, and accommodation). But PERRLA is not only incorrect and inexact—it is also, more seriously, incomplete. Objective: To describe the limitations of PERRLA and to review the proper approach to pupillary examination. Discussion: Accommodation is not tested with PERRLA.
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