Giles Kagmeni

Ophthalmological findings in Cameroonian boxers

Background The purpose of this prospective, noncomparative consecutive study was to examine active and retired amateur boxers in order to evaluate the nature and incidence of ocular pathologic conditions related to the boxing practice. Results A total of 35 boxers were included in this study. The mean age of the boxers was 28.09±7.57 years (range 18–52 years). Sixteen (45.7%) boxers had >5 years of boxing experience. Fifteen (42.85%) of the boxers reported wearing protective equipment in the bouts and sparring rounds. The number of bouts ranged from 3 to 103, with a median of 20 (interquartile range [IQR] =7–44). The percentages of wins varied from 25% to 100%, with a median of 68.29% (IQR =50.00–79.54). Most of the eye injuries recorded were minor injuries (66.66%), with subconjunctival hemorrhage being the most common (24.24%). Lid scars were the second most common lesion, accounting for 18.18% of all lesions. Sight-threatening eye lesions accounted for 33.34% of injuries and included cataracts (12.12%), lens dislocation (3.03%), pseudoexfoliation syndrome (3.03%), unilateral glaucoma (3.03%), retinal detachment (3.03%), vitreous opacity (6.06%), and lattice degeneration (3.03%). Conclusion Boxing-related ocular traumas are common in Cameroon, and ocular surface lesions are the most common injury reported. Severe lesions are indications for premature retirement from boxing practice.

Ophthalmic Manifestations in Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases at a Referral Hospital of Yaounde, Cameroon.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the profile of ophthalmic manifestations in chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRD). Methods: Observational study at the Yaounde Central Hospital and Innel Medical Centre (2004 to 2012). Results: The study population (n = 36) consisted of 14 men and 22 women with average age of 47.9 ± 17.2 years. Cases of CIRD were rheumatoid arthritis (n = 16), systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 8), ankylosing spondylitis (n = 8), mixed connective tissue disease (n = 2), scleroderma (n = 1), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (n = 1). Ophthalmic manifestations found in 22 (61.1%) patients were dry eye syndrome (n = 7), cataract (n = 6), anterior uveitis (n = 6), glaucoma (n = 4), and suspected maculopathy (n = 1). No association was found between steroids used and supcapsular cataract (p = 0.06) or glaucoma (p = 0.06). Conclusion: Ocular manifestations occurred in 61.1% of CIRD. Dry eye syndrome and anterior uveitis were commonly observed.

Color vision deficiency among biomedical students: a cross-sectional study

Purpose To determine the prevalence of color vision deficiency (CVD) among first-cycle students of the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Yaoundé I. Patients and methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out between October 1, 2015 and May 31, 2016. Distant visual acuity was measured and color vision test done for all consenting students. Ishihara’s plates were used to test all the participants. Those who failed the test were tested with the Roth’s 28 Hue test for confirmation of CVD and classification. Results A total of 303 students were included, among whom 155 were males (50.8%) and 148 were females (49.2%). The mean age was 20.2±2 years. Five students (1.6%) failed the Ishihara’s plate testing. Roth’s 28 Hue test confirmed CVD in 4 of those cases, giving a prevalence of 1.3%. There were equal numbers of protan and deutan CVD. Conclusion Despite its low prevalence among first-cycle students of the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, CVD screening should be performed in order to raise awareness, which will go a long way to help orientate the choice of future specialty.