Comparison of corneal thickness measurement with the Pentacam,the PARK1 and an ultrasonic pachymeter

Purpose: The aim was to determine the agreement between PARK1 pachymetric readings and measurements made with the Pentacam and ultrasonic pachymetry. Methods: In this prospective study, we enrolled refractive surgery patients free of other ocular conditions and performed Pentacam and PARK1 acquisitions followed by ultrasonic pachymetry. We recorded pachymetric readings on the centre, apex and thinnest point with the Pentacam, corneal thickness values of the apex and minimum readings from the PARK1, and the central corneal thickness with the ultrasonic system. Data were compared using t‐tests, and the Pearson correlations and 95% limits of agreement (LoA) of all pairs were determined. Results: The mean age of the 47 participants was 32 ± 10.4 years and data from their right eyes were used. Overall, ultrasonic measurements were significantly higher than all readings from the PARK1 and the Pentacam. The smallest difference was between the PARK‐apex and Pentacam‐apex readings (0.2 ± 11 µm); the 95% LoA of this pair gave a width of 43.7 µm (‐21.7 to 22.0 µm). The smallest width pertained to the Pentacam‐centre and ultrasound‐centre paired readings; the width was 32.5 µm (‐21.8 to 11.8 µm), while the mean difference was ‐5.54 ± 8 µm. Conclusion: The PARK1 measurements of the apical corneal thickness can be a substitute for central corneal pachymetry with an ultrasonic device, provided that the range of agreement is taken into consideration in the interpretation of the results. Similar studies on populations with different corneal conditions such as keratoconus are needed.     

Is Gender a Risk Factor for Pesticide Intoxications Among Farmers in Bolivia? A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

This study compares gender differences regarding knowledge, practice, and symptoms of intoxication when handling pesticides in farming. Data were gathered in La Paz County, Bolivia, in 2008 and 2009. Poor knowledge on safe handling, hazardous working practices, and use of very toxic pesticides were seen. Being a female and having a low educational level were risk factors for “poor knowledge on pesticides” and a “risky behavior when handling pesticides.” Females reported more symptoms of intoxication. The gender differences on knowledge and handling practices might explain why females report more symptoms. To minimize this gap, education and agricultural services should be made more accessible to female farmers in Bolivia.