Browsing by Author "Farnon, Dr Niall"

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    Contact Lens Complications of Patients Visiting a University Eye Clinic.
    (Faculty of Medical Sciences, The UWI, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago, 2023) Farnon, Dr Niall; Boodram, Cassandra; Hilaire, Shanik
    Objective: To determine the percentage of patients that experience contact lens complications at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Optometry Clinic as well as to establish and assess common physiological complications of the cornea and conjunctiva that occur in those that wear either soft, rigid and scleral contact lenses, of that percentage. Methods: Contact lens wearers of the clinic were identified, contacted via telephone and asked if they would be interested in participating in the study. Once they agreed, participants visited the clinic wearing their contact lenses two hours prior as instructed. Participants were required to give verbal and written consent before completing a questionnaire. The anterior part of the eye was observed using a slit lamp and times 10, 16 and 25 magnifications were used to view the conjunctiva and cornea appropriately. The data collected was analysed using SPSS. Results: The study included 19 participants, mainly females aged 18-25 who were mostly wearing soft, daily disposable contact lenses. There were three scleral patients and no RGP patients participating in the research. The most common symptom reported was dry eyes, and the most common complication was hyperaemia. All participants reported washing their hands before inserting lenses but a few participants were still sleeping and showering in their lenses, overwearing them, and not cleaning or disposing of their lens cases within the recommended time. Conclusion: Patients' age and compliance were two major factors that contributed to patients having or not having complications. Patient knowledge of contact lens complications and proper care practices did not influence how patients cared for their contact lenses.
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    The Blood Pressure and Sugar Level Characteristics of Patients Visiting a University Eye Clinic.
    (Faculty of Medical Sciences, The UWI, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago, 2023) Farnon, Dr Niall; Salvary, Kyla; Babb, Omar
    Objective: This research project aimed to assess the blood pressure and blood sugar level characteristics of patients visiting the Couva Hospital & Multi-Training Facility in Trinidad and Tobago, and to determine their awareness and understanding of these systemic diseases. The study conducted analytical research with a cohort approach and gathered data by testing patients’ blood sugar and blood pressure, and by asking brief questions regarding their knowledge and management of their conditions. Method: The blood pressure and blood sugar was taken from 100 patients via the OMRON IntelliSense Professional Digital Blood Pressure Monitor and the Gluco Perfect LLC Perfect 3 respectively. The blood pressure machine took 3 consecutive readings and produced an average blood pressure reading which was recorded. The patient was then given a random blood sugar testing device and instructed on how to use it to obtain their blood sugar reading. Results: The results showed that there were 38% more female participants than male participants, and age was the most significant factor contributing to trends such as frequency of taking blood pressure or blood sugar measurements and knowledge of normal blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It was found that older individuals monitored their blood pressure and blood sugar levels more regularly and had a better understanding of what the normal levels for these readings should be. Conclusion: The research highlighted a higher degree of unfamiliarity with normative blood pressure levels compared to blood sugar levels. Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of raising awareness and educating individuals about hypertension and diabetes, two conditions that can pose serious risks to eye health.