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Commonest mistakes during the refraction certificate exam

Ophthalmology specialty trainees are required to pass the refraction certificate exam within the first two years of training. If one passes this exam before entering a training programme, this can add two points to the portfolio during applications. In this...

Vitreomacular traction: natural course vs. vitrectomy vs. ocriplasmin

Over time, the vitreous gel completely separates from the retina in a process known as a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). In some instances, however, the vitreous does not detach entirely and remains adherent to the macula. The term vitreomacular traction...

Ophthalmology specialty training applications: a costly affair?

Ophthalmology is one of the most competitive specialties to pursue training in worldwide. In the United Kingdom, the ST1 entry national selection competition ratio for the past few years has ranged between four to five applicants per post [1]. The...

The challenge of chorioretinal folds in virtual eye clinics

Chorioretinal or choroidal folds are parallel striations involving the retina, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), Bruch’s membrane, and inner choroid [1]. They can arise from compressive stress on these layers, and their presence often serves as a diagnostic marker for underlying...

Hidden eyelid laceration following blunt trauma

A paediatric case report of a hidden eyelid laceration following blunt trauma. Blunt injury to the eyelid can result in a multitude of issues, such as damage to the eyelid margin, lacrimal system and surrounding orbit [1]. These can often...

Photophobia: an unusual symptom of a pituitary macroadenoma

Introduction Photophobia, defined as ‘an abnormal intolerance to light’, is commonly associated with a range of both ocular and neurological pathologies such as dry eye, blepharospasm, corneal pathologies, cataracts, uveitis, retinal dystrophies, optic neuritis, migraine, meningitis, and traumatic brain injury...

A unique case of macular burn from ‘toy’ laser

The first laser was created in 1960 and its name is an acronym for ‘light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation’. Laser technology has been used for medical, industrial, research and entertainment purposes in a variety of fields following extensive...

Oculogyric crisis with B12 deficiency

An oculogyric crisis (OGC) is a dystonic movement disorder of the eyes which can last from seconds to hours. Although there is no published diagnostic criteria for OGC, typically the onset is acute, and it is characterised by conjugate upward...

Understanding and confronting bacterial endophthalmitis

Abdus Samad Ansari highlights the importance of early recognition of this condition using an unusual presentation. Endophthalmitis is a medical emergency with devastating consequences. Despite adequate treatment, severe cases frequently result in permanent blindness. Endophthalmitis involves inflammation of both the...