1.The Correlation of Quality of Life Impact of Refractive Correction Score with Visual Disturbances and Contrast Sensitivity in Spectacle Wearers: A Preliminary Study
Md Mustafa Md-Muziman-Syah ; Anis Farahin Ahmad Puad ; Noorhazayti Ab. Halim
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2021;17(No.3):107-111
Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between Quality of Life Impact of Refractive Correction
(QIRC) score with visual disturbances and contrast sensitivity in spectacle wearers. Methods: A total of 21 spectacle-corrected moderate myopes was recruited. Subjects completed the QIRC questionnaire for quality of life assessment. The functional and emotional QIRC scores were analysed separately. Visual disturbances were evaluated using
the Halo and Glare Simulator, and contrast sensitivity was measured by the M&S Smart System II. All measurements
were taken binocularly in 1 lux illumination. Spearman’s test was employed to evaluate the correlations. Results: The
most common visual disturbance was diffuse glare. The functional QIRC score was significantly correlated with glare
intensity (r = -0.54, P = 0.01). Whereas, the emotional QIRC score was significantly correlated with contrast sensitivity (r = 0.45, P = 0.04). Conclusion: The functional QIRC score is lower when the glare intensity is greater, and the
emotional QIRC score is higher in person with greater contrast sensitivity. Hence, glare intensity and contrast sensitivity measurements are suggested to predetermine spectacle wearers’ functional vision and well-being, respectively
2.A Survey on Knowledge and Practices in Erosive Tooth Wear Among Dental Practitioners in Kuantan, Pahang: A Preliminary Study
Noorhazayti Ab. Halim ; Nur Atiyah Fakhri ; Nur Izzati Aisyah Azhar ; Md Mustafa Md-Muziman-Syah
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2021;17(No.2):28-33
Introduction: Erosive tooth wear (ETW) is an emerging dental condition worldwide. However, most dental practitioners overlooked the early stages of the condition due to vague clinical appearance of tooth surface loss. Therefore,
this study was aimed to determine the knowledge of ETW and treatment given amongst dental professionals in private
clinics in Kuantan, Pahang. Method: Several private dental clinics in Kuantan, Pahang, involved in this cross-sectional study. Dental practitioners were volunteering to participate in this research. A validated self-administered
questionnaire was distributed, and a descriptive analysis was conducted. Results: The overall response rate was
75%. Results revealed that most participants obtained a structured education on ETW (79.2%). Through continuous
dental education, about half of the participants learnt further. All participants agreed that carbonated drink caused
ETW, and most reported that gastroesophageal reflux diseases and pickles had related to the ETW. The majority of
participants favoured case note (79%) with regards to ETW records. Nevertheless, 40.9% and 36.4% are recorded
at the tooth surface and individual level, respectively. Surprisingly, 79% of them did not know about special scores
when assessing ETW. Most participants prefer to give instruction on oral hygiene and diet counselling as preventive
measures, but the use of fluoride was not given priority. 77% have not ever referred the case to a dental specialist and
preferred to treat the patient on their own. Conclusion: ETW knowledge among recruited PDPs is adequate; however,
no specific indices were used for ETW scoring and insufficient treatment strategies..
3.Occupational Health-Related Illness and Awareness Level among Dental Surgeons in International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan
Noorhazayti Ab. Halim ; Nurul Aina Salmi Ramlee ; Nur Alia Maliki ; Nor Asilah Harun ; Md Mustafa Md-Muziman-Syah
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2021;17(No.3):159-165
Introduction: Dental surgeon exposes to numerous occupational hazards include the bloodborne pathogens, pharmaceuticals, ergonomic hazards, noise, vibration and workplace violence. It causes prolonged health effects on
short or long term exposure include musculoskeletal disorder, back pain and other health issues. This study aimed
to identify the awareness level of occupational hazards and experiences among dental surgeons and to determine
whether preventive measures are employed. Methods: A cross-sectional study design and convenience sampling
method had been used in this study. The Occupational Hazards in Dentistry questionnaire was self-administered by
39 dental surgeons in International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan. The data were analysed using descriptive,
chi-square and thematic analysis. Results: The overall response rate was good (78%). Among the participants, 59%
were female, and 41% were male. Half of the participants (59%) had worked for 11-20 years. The majority of the
participants (82%) practised a correct posture while providing dental treatment. The most-reported pain areas were
at the shoulder and neck and followed by the lower back. Approximately, 10% of the participants had been diagnosed with cervical spondylitis/ degenerative cervical discs. Most participants have taken preventive measures to
reduce exposure to these occupational hazards. Conclusion: Work-related pain is common among dental surgeons.
The most affected pain area is the shoulder and neck, followed by back and wrist pain. Occupational hazards can
be alleviated effectively using a comprehensive approach. It is essential for dentistry to incorporate comprehensive
strategies into practice to improve productivity and enhance occupational safety.
4.Comparison of Driving Difficulty Between Bilateral Cataract and Non-Cataract Elderly Drivers in Malaysia: A Preliminary Study (Perbandingan Kesukaran Memandu antara Pemandu Warga Emas dengan Bilateral Katarak dan Tanpa Katarak di Malaysia: Kajian Rintis)
MOHD HARIMI ABD RAHMAN ; NURUL HAFIZAH MOHD NORIZAN ; HALIZA ABDUL MUTALIB ; MD MUSTAFA MD-MUZIMAN-SYAH
Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences 2021;19(No.1):143-149
An age-related ocular disease such as cataract that causes reduction of visual functions would affect the individual
driving performance. The aim of this study was to compare driving difficulties between Malaysian drivers with bilateral
cataracts and without cataract. This cross-sectional study involved measurement of visual functions [visual acuity (VA)
and contrast sensitivity (CS)] and driving difficulty of 61 subjects who are actively driving with valid driving license.
Subjects were divided into bilateral cataract group (n=30) and non-cataracts group as control group (n=31); which age
and gender matched. Results showed that the mean±SD for composite driving difficulty score in the bilateral cataract
group and in the control group were 72.08±15.95 and 87.50±12.60 respectively. It showed that both groups had lower
mean composite score which indicates difficulty in driving. Results also showed significant mean difference composite
driving difficulty score between cataract and control group (p<0.001). Drivers with bilateral cataracts were also found
to have significant difficulty when driving the rain (p=0.034), at night (p=0.013) and when driving on local or highway
(p=0.005) compared to drivers without cataract. Subsequent Spearman’s Rho showed significant moderate positive
correlation between driving difficulty and binocular CS (rs
=0.404, p=0.027). This study showed that drivers with
cataract would experience driving difficulties compared to the drivers without cataract.
5.Mesopic Pupillometry in Pre-LASIK Patients by a Placido-Disc Topographer and Hartmann-Shack Aberrometer
Md Mustafa Md-Muziman-Syah ; Muhammad Aiman Suhaimi ; Umar Hakimi Sulaiman ; Noorhazayti Ab. Halim ; Ahmad Tajudin Liza-Sharmini ; Khairidzan Mohd Kamal
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2021;17(No.2):197-202
Introduction: Precise pupillometry is crucial to determine ablation optical zone (OZ) size selection in LASIK. Significant difference in the selection induces unwanted postoperative night visual disturbance. Placido-disc topographer
and Hartmann-Shack aberrometer are commonly used in LASIK preoperative assessment. However, little is known
on the precision and agreement of these devices in pupillometry. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the precision
(repeatability and reproducibility) and inter-device agreement of a Placido-disc topographer and Hartmann-Shack
aberrometer in measuring mesopic pupil size in pre-LASIK patients. Methods: Mesopic pupillometry on 38 pre-LASIK
patients were performed using both devices by two masked operators, on two separate sessions. Intra-session repeatability, inter-operator reproducibility and inter-device agreement were analysed. A disagreement value of ±0.5 mm
and 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were determined. Results: Hartmann-Shack aberrometer demonstrated higher
repeatability and reproducibility than Placido-disc topographer in mesopic pupillometry. Ninety-seven percent and
all of Hartmann-Shack wavefront aberrometer pupillometry were within ±0.5 mm in repeated sessions and between
the operators, respectively. The mesopic pupil size obtained from Placido-disc topographer was significantly larger
than Hartmann-Shack aberrometer results (P = 0.02). The agreement between devices was low (LoA > ±1 mm) and
only 53% of Placido-disc topographer pupillometry were within ±0.5 mm of Hartmann-Shack aberrometer pupillometry. Conclusion: Hartmann-Shack aberrometer has higher precision within sessions and between operators, and
it provides smaller mesopic pupillometry than Placido-disc topographer. Precise mesopic pupillometry could assist
refractive surgeons in choosing a correct ablation OZ size during LASIK surgery to improve postoperative outcome.
6.Intraocular Pressure: the Effect of Short-term Fasting and Its Association With Fluid and Fat Status
Nur Raihan Esa ; Nor Azwani Mohd Shukri ; Norsham Ahmad ; Mohd Radzi Hilmi ; Md Muziman Syah Md Mustafa ; Nura Syahiera Ibrahim ; Fatin Amalina Che Arif ; Firdaus Yusof @Alias
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2020;16(No.2):180-186
Introduction: Short-term fasting may influence intraocular pressure (IOP) due to alteration of fluid (total body water; TBW, and water intake) and fat (total body fat; TBF). This study aimed: i) to compare IOP values within and between, fasting and non-fasting periods; and ii) to assess the association between IOP and, TBW and TBF. Methods: Thirty healthy participants aged 21.8±1.1 years were assessed on two different periods (fasting vs. non-fasting). During each period, the IOP, TBW and TBF values were assessed for four times (morning, afternoon, evening, late-evening). The IOP was measured using AccuPen® tonopen, while TBW and TBF were assessed by using a Tanita body composition analyser. Results: During fasting, the IOP value in the afternoon (14.53±2.33 mmHg) was significantly higher than in the evening (12.43±2.73 mmHg, p=0.009) and late-evening (12.60±2.44 mmHg, p=0.003). No significant difference in IOP was observed during non-fasting period. The mean of IOP in the evening was significantly lower during fasting compared to non-fasting (12.43±2.73 mmHg vs 13.75±2.53 mmHg, p=0.044). The IOP and TBW were negatively correlated (r=-0.268; p=0.011) during non-fasting and showed no association during fasting period. There was no significant correlation between IOP and TBF during both fasting and non-fasting periods. Conclusion: IOP reduction during short-term fasting, together with the no association with TBF and TBW suggested that IOP is an independent factor that reduces during fasting in healthy population.