Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on digital device-related ocular health

Purpose:Since the declaration of the lockdown due to COVID-19, the usage of digital devices has gone up across the globe, resulting in a challenge for the visual systems of all ages. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of the lockdown on digital device usage, and consequently, the ocular surface health implications and circadian rhythm abnormalities related to digital eye strain.Methods:An open online survey was sent through various social media platforms and was open for a period of 2 weeks.Results:A total of 407 usable responses were obtained; the average age of respondents was 27.4 years. Typically, 93.6% of respondents reported an increase in their screen time since the lockdown was declared. The average increase in digital device usage was calculated at about 4.8 ± 2.8 h per day. The total usage per day was found to be 8.65 ± 3.74 hours. Sleep disturbances have been reported by 62.4% of people. Typically, 95.8% of respondents had experienced at least one symptom related to digital device usage, and 56.5% said that the frequency and intensity of these symptoms increased since the lockdown was declared.Conclusion:The study highlighted the drastic increase in use of digital devices after the initiation of the COVID-19 lockdown, and along with it, the slow deterioration of ocular health across all age groups. Awareness about prevention of digital eye strain should be stressed, and going forward, measures to bring these adverse effects to a minimum should be explored.     

Spectrum of infections and outcome among hospitalized South Africans with systemic lupus erythematosus

Clinical Rheumatology - Our aim was to determine reasons for admission, the prevalence and spectrum of infections, and the outcomes in a multiethnic cohort of hospitalized systemic lupus...     

Does prophylactic sotalol and magnesium decrease the incidence of atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass surgery: a propensity-matched analysis

Background  

Atrial fibrillation can occur in up to 40% of patients undergoing coronary surgery.     

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: Rare cause of head and neck swelling

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberance of head and neck is a rare neoplasm and accounts for less than one percent of Head and Neck Neoplasm. The objective of this report is to understand etiology, presentation, histopathologic identification and treatment option for this tumour. The goal of current report is to acquaint the clinician with presentation and treatment option for this disease.     

Clinical Experience with Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Photomodulation

Background. Light-emitting diode (LED) photomodulation is a novel nonthermal technology used to modulate cellular activity with light.
Objective:. We describe our experience over the last 2 years using 590 nm LED photomodulation within a dermatologic surgery environment.
Methods. Practical use of nonthermal light energy and emerging applications in 3,500 treatments delivered to 900 patients is detailed.
Results. LED photomodulation has been used alone for skin rejuvenation in over 300 patients but has been effective in augmentation of results in 600 patients receiving concomitant nonablative thermal and vascular treatments such as intense pulsed light, pulsed dye laser, KTP and infrared lasers, radiofrequency energy, and ablative lasers.
Conclusion:. LED photomodulation reverses signs of photoaging using a new nonthermal mechanism. The anti-inflammatory component of LED in combination with the cell regulatory component helps improve the outcome of other thermal-based rejuvenation treatments.