Oluwasola Michael Ojo

   Background. Glaucoma is a major public health concern, accounting for 8% of blindness worldwide and 16.7 % of blindness in Nigeria. Early diagnosis and reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) are critical for preventing optic nerve damage. Although topical medications are generally used as initial therapy, uncontrolled IOP may require surgical intervention. Laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) is a standard procedure for primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) that relieves pupillary block, lowers IOP, and reduces the risk of vision loss.    Purpose. To evaluate changes in IOP following Nd:YAG laser peripheral iridotomy in patients with PACG.    Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of 104 medical records of patients with PACG treated at the Makkah Specialist Eye Hospital in Kano, Nigeria, from January 2020 to December 2024, was conducted. Included were patients aged 31–80 years, with IOP measurements before and after LPI. Changes in IOP were evaluated using the paired t-test.    Results. In the majority of patients (54 patients, 51.9 %), the IOP level was 20–29 mm Hg, followed by the range 30–39 mm Hg (22 patients, 21.2 %), and the smallest number of patients had pressure 10–19 mm Hg (8 patients, 7.7 %). Ten patients were lost to follow-up. Among the remaining 94 patients, the majority (63 patients, 67 %) achieved IOP in the range of 10–19 mm Hg, followed by the range 20–29 mm Hg (20 patients, 21.3 %), and only 3 (3.2 %) patients had pressure remaining within 40–49 mm Hg. Mean IOP decreased significantly from 28.63 ± 9.50 mm Hg before LPI to 18.22 ± 8.54 mm Hg after LPI (t (93) = 11.30, p < 0.001).    Conclusion. In this retrospective study, YAG laser peripheral iridotomy was associated with a statistically significant mean reduction in IOP of 10.4 mm Hg in patients with PACG, supporting its role as a first-line intervention in this patient population.

Purpose: Keratoconus is a progressive corneal ectatic disorder that causes visual impairment, particularly in adolescents and young adults. Evidence on its epidemiology in Latin America and the Caribbean remains limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of keratoconus and evaluate associated factors, including eye rubbing, sex, family history, and allergy history, in the region. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar was conducted on 15 December 2025 for observational studies published up to December 2025. Study selection and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers, with disagreements resolved by consensus. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Pooled prevalence estimates and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using a random-effects model with variance-stabilizing transformation. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, and publication bias was explored using funnel plots and Egger’s test. Results: Seven prevalence studies were included in the primary meta-analysis following exclusion of three studies from the previous version of the review, with no additional eligible prevalence studies identified in the updated search. One additional nationwide registry-based study from Colombia was identified but excluded from the primary prevalence synthesis because it reported incidence derived from administrative diagnostic coding rather than clinically assessed prevalence. Among the seven prevalence studies, reported prevalence ranged from 0.50% to 2.88%. The pooled prevalence of keratoconus was 2.07% (95% CI: 1.53–2.79), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 71.9%). Subgroup analyses suggested that prevalence estimates varied by study design, with lower estimates observed in community- and school-based studies and higher estimates in clinic-based studies. No statistically significant associations were identified for eye rubbing, sex, family history, or allergy history; however, these analyses should be interpreted cautiously due to small sample sizes, heterogeneous exposure definitions, and wide confidence intervals. Conclusions: Keratoconus prevalence estimates in Latin America and the Caribbean remain variable and should be interpreted cautiously due to substantial heterogeneity, differences in study design, variability in diagnostic criteria, and differences in case ascertainment. The findings highlight important evidence gaps and support the need for well-designed population-based studies using standardized diagnostic criteria to inform screening strategies, early detection, and eye-care planning in the region.

Cycloplegic agents like cyclopentolate and tropicamide eyedrops are broadly used in optometric exams to dilate pupils and temporarily stop accommodation. However, they can cause slight increases in intraocular pressure (IOP). Factors such as age, eye health, and refractive status influence these IOP changes. Despite their common use, few studies have compared their effects on IOP specifically in Nigerian patients. This study aimed to compare the effects of topical cyclopentolate and tropicamide on IOP among healthy albino rabbits. A total of 10 rabbits were used and randomly assigned into two groups. Cyclopentolate eye drop was instilled in one group and topical tropicamide instilled in the other group. IOP was measured using a calibrated I-care tonometer (iCare Finland Oy, Vantaa, Finland) at baseline, 5minutes, 10minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes and 120 minutes after drug administration. Results showed an initial slight increase in IOP following administration of both agents, with cyclopentolate showing a greater mean rise in IOP compared to tropicamide. While the initial IOP increases were statistically significant within both groups, they remained within physiologic limits for the majority of subjects. These findings suggest that although both agents may cause transient IOP elevations, cyclopentolate tends to exert a stronger pressure effect. The study underscores the importance of IOP monitoring after cycloplegic use, especially in patients at risk, and contributes locally relevant data to inform clinical decisions.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a widely used flavor enhancer, is linked to metabolic and ocular complications, potentially increasing cataract risk. This study evaluated spectral transmission in lens tissue of MSG-induced hyperglycemic male Wistar rats to assess optical changes. Ten male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control (distilled water) or experimental (750 mg/kg MSG daily for 28 days) groups (n = 5 each) using a random number table. Body weight and blood glucose were monitored. Lenses were extracted on day 36, homogenized, and analyzed for spectral transmission (250–700 nm) using UV-Visible spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed with ANOVA test (p < 0.05) in GraphPad Prism. MSG-treated rats showed significant weight gain (p < 0.05) and hyperglycemia (p < 0.05) compared to controls. Lens transmittance was reduced (p = 0.053), and absorbance was increased (p = 0.145), suggesting protein aggregation. Chronic MSG exposure induces metabolic stress and may impair lens clarity in rats, potentially linked to cataract risk. Further studies on oxidative biomarkers are needed to confirm MSG’s ocular toxicity, specifically by quantifying lens- specific oxidative stress markers (GSH/GSSG ratio, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl content, 8- HdG, and activities of SOD, CAT, GPx).

BACKGROUND High-resolution optical coherence tomography (HR-OCT) has become an essential instrument in the screening and diagnosis of ocular surface neoplasms. Research demonstrates that HR-OCT possesses a diagnostic sensitivity ranging from 85% to 90% for ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). The connections between HR-OCT features and histological findings have consistently shown robustness, hence increasing the reliability of clinical diagnosis. AIM To examine the existing HR-OCT indicators employed in the identification of common non-benign ocular surface tumors, namely, basal cell carcinoma, OSSN, and melanocytic conjunctival lesions, and to assess their diagnostic efficacy, benefits, and prospective developments. METHODS A thorough literature review was performed to assess the published research on HR-OCT in the diagnosis of ocular surface cancers. Significant attention was given to research that compares HR-OCT characteristics with histopathologic validation, as well as on publications addressing the integration of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence in ocular oncology imaging. RESULTS HR-OCT exhibits elevated diagnostic sensitivity (85%-90%) for identifying OSSN and presents distinct imaging patterns that align closely with histology results. This approach has substantial clinical advantages due to its non-invasive characteristics, improved axial resolution, and real-time imaging capabilities. HR-OCT has demonstrated potential in assessing various lesions, including basal cell carcinoma and melanocytic conjunctival malignancies. CONCLUSION HR-OCT assumes an increasingly vital role in the early identification and clinical management of ocular surface malignancies. With advancements in imaging technology and the integration of artificial intelligence, HR-OCT is anticipated to enhance individualized diagnosis and treatment planning in ocular oncology, hence improving patient outcomes.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder characterized by immune dysregulation and multi-organ involvement. In this concise brief review, we highlight key insights into Ocular Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), an intricate autoimmune disorder with diverse organ involvement. Emphasizing the formation of autoantibodies and immune complex deposition, we delve into the inflammation and damage affecting ocular structures. Clinical presentations, ranging from mild dry eye syndrome to severe conditions like retinal vasculitis, necessitate a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including clinical exams, serological testing, and imaging studies. Differential diagnosis involves distinguishing SLE-related ocular manifestations from other autoimmune and non-inflammatory ocular conditions. The multidisciplinary management approach, involving rheumatologists, ophthalmologists, and immunologists, tailors treatment based on ocular involvement severity, encompassing corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, and biologics. Follow-up is crucial for monitoring disease progression and treatment response. Future perspectives revolve around advancing molecular understanding, refining diagnostic tools, and exploring targeted therapies. Novel research areas include genetic factors, microbiome composition, and biotechnology for tailored and effective SLE ocular treatments.

Glaucoma is a chronic optic neuropathy that can lead to irreversible functional and morphological damage if left untreated. The gold standard therapeutic approaches in managing patients with glaucoma and limiting progression include local drops, laser, and/or surgery, which are all geared at reducing intraocular pressure (IOP). Nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, organic compounds, and micronutrients have been gaining increasing interest in the past decade as integrative IOP-independent strategies to delay or halt glaucomatous retinal ganglion cell degeneration. In our minireview, we examine the various nutrients and compounds proposed in the current literature for the management of ophthalmology diseases, especially for glaucoma. With respect to each substance considered, this minireview reports the molecular and biological characteristics, neuroprotective activities, antioxidant properties, beneficial mechanisms, and clinical studies published in the past decade in the field of general medicine. This study highlights the potential benefits of these substances in glaucoma and other ophthalmologic pathologies. Nutritional supplementation can thus be useful as integrative IOP-independent strategies in the management of glaucoma and in other ophthalmologic pathologies. Large multicenter clinical trials based on functional and morphologic data collected over long follow-up periods in patients with IOP-independent treatments can pave the way for alternative and/or coadjutant therapeutic options in the management of glaucoma and other ocular pathologies.