Weekly Recap: Incidence of Postoperative Endophthalmitis, Training for Treating Combat Eye Injuries, Glaucoma Risk in Isolation – An Ophthalmologist’s Perspective

The continuous evolution of eye care over the past few decades has seen a significant decrease in post-surgical endophthalmitis rates. According to a comprehensive review of data from 2000 to 2022, the rate of this severe eye infection post-surgery has substantially dropped to 0.07% from 0.20%. This reduction accounts for a staggering 75% decrease over this period, despite the rise in the number of ocular surgeries such as cataract and glaucoma procedures. However, the decrease in prompt vitrectomy rates for endophthalmitis treatment is a concern that requires further investigation to understand the rationale and its impact on patient outcomes.

In a remarkable initiative towards the treatment of wartime eye injuries, the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) has launched a humanitarian fellowship. This program aims to equip physicians across the globe with the latest periocular reconstructive techniques. The inaugural recipients of this one-year fellowship are two eye surgeons from Ukraine, Drs. Olga Denysuik and Oksana Petrenko. Working alongside Dr. Karim Punja, a clinical associate professor at CSM, they are committed to mitigating the lasting repercussions of war that extend beyond the battlefield. This fellowship is a part of the broader Eyes on Ukraine initiative, sponsored by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society Foundation.

Recent research suggests that feelings of loneliness and social isolation might amplify the risk of glaucoma. A review of data involving 373,330 participants in the UK Biobank cohort study revealed that those experiencing social isolation or loneliness had higher cumulative incidence rates of glaucoma over a median follow-up period of 13.1 years. It is therefore crucial to delve deeper into these associations and develop stronger community-based social and mental health interventions.

For more information about eye care, and to schedule an appointment with me, visit my website: https://shankarnetrika.com/. Dr. Navin Kumar Gupta, Director of Shankar Netrika Eye Centre in Mumbai, I specialize in treating a wide range of eye conditions and perform eye surgeries, including cataract and laser. For further queries, you can reach me at 9920044620 or visit my clinic at G. D. Ambekar Marg, Kalachowky, Cotton Green, Mumbai.