A simple and accurate system of cataract classification using slit lamp and direct ophthalmoscope is reported. Lens opacities are classified into cortical (anterior and posterior), nuclear and posterior sub-capsular and each sub-type of opacity is graded, extent and density wise, using both slit lamp and direct ophthalmoscope. A circle representing enface view of opacity divided into 100 equal parts is used in calculating the area of each opacity. This classification takes into account both the area and depth of opacity in arriving at the total extent of sub-type of each opacity. For density determination, we do not recommend the use of a resolution target projection ophthalmoscope. Intra-observer and inter-observer variability studies using this classification system indicated that the classification system is fairly reliable.

The methodology for testing any possible effect of potential anti-cataract agents is described. This is based on slit lamp and ophthalmoscopic cataract classification and on visual acuity. The difficulties encountered in such studies are highlighted. The presented methodology is suggested to be fairly adequate in assessing usefulness of any possible medical therapy of cataracts.

We undertook a prospective study in 66 cataract patients to study if topical glutathione has any effects on the progression of cataracts. The eye with more advanced cataract received topical glutathione drops q.i.d. and contralateral eye served as control. Only 32 patients completed the follow-up of three months or more. Data analysis revealed no beneficial effect of topical glutathione drops on any of the parameters studied. PSC opacity density in eyes treated with topical glutathione showed significant increase as compared to control eyes.

Sulindac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug has been found to be a potent inhibitor of enzyme aldose reductase. We used sulindac topically in diabetic senile cataract patients to note if it effects the progression of cataracts. More of sulindac treated eyes maintained initial vision and fewer eyes had visual loss of up to two lines or more as compared to control eyes. The extent and density of different opacities showed less progression in sulindac treated eyes but it was not statistically significant except that the ophthalmoscopically observed density of opacity showed statistically very significant lesser mean increase in sulindac treated eyes. We suggest that sulindac is a potential drug which should be further evaluated in large double blind photodocumented studies in diabetic senile cataracts.

We undertook a prospective study in senile cataract patients using systemic aspirin and systemic vitamin E. Vitamin E treated eyes did show less progression of PSC opacities extent and less new nuclear opacities during the follow-up, but overall vitamin E treated eyes did no better than the control group eyes. More eyes in systemic aspirin treated group maintained the initial vision and loss of vision in the aspirin group was also less marked. Aspirin also caused a significant less mean increase in cortical opacity extent, nuclear/opacity and density and PSC opacity extent and density as well as in ophthalmoscopically graded opacity extent and density. We suggest that aspirin is a potential drug which should be further evaluated in large double blind photodocumentated studies. The present data does not justify the recommendation that aspirin be prescribed for slowing down cataract progression. This must await large studies and confirmation.

A rare case of gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina is reported in two female siblings. The diagnosis was made on clinical, electrophysiological, angiographic and biochemical features. This possibly is the first documentation of hyperornithemic gyrate atrophy (HOGA) from the Indian subcontinent.

A case of multiple wooden foreign bodies is presented. Any case presenting with a history of injury and a discharging sinus with osteomyelitis warrants a thorough exploration of the orbit. Anterior orbitotomy was performed and 4 pieces of arhar sticks were taken out. The guidelines for the management of the wooden foreign bodies are highlighted.

Blood Histaminase estimations were done in 42 cases of phlyctenulosis and 25 normal subjects. Significantly higher level of blood Histaminase was found in patients of phlyctenulosis, which may be a consequence of its induction secondary to increased release of histamine in the early phase of disease