A new normal with cataract surgery during COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• Cataract remains a leading cause of preventable blindness globally.
• The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted essential eye care services, halting cataract surgery programs and accumulating elective procedures.
• Resumption of eye care services is critical to address the backlog and prevent further vision impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish preferred practice patterns for safe resumption of elective cataract screening and surgery in India.
• To provide comprehensive guidelines for eye care facilities amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
• To ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers during ophthalmic procedures.

Main Methods:

• Consensus discussions among leading Indian ophthalmologists from governmental, private, and professional organizations.
• Development of practice guidelines covering triage, personal protective equipment (PPE), and precautions for outpatient departments (OPDs) and operating rooms.
• Guidelines tailored for diverse practice settings, including tertiary institutions, corporate practices, and individual clinics.

Main Results:

• The guidelines address critical aspects of resuming eye care, including patient screening and surgical protocols.
• Specific recommendations are provided for infection control measures in OPDs and operating rooms.
• The practice patterns are designed to be adaptable to evolving pandemic situations and government directives.

Conclusions:

• These consensus-based guidelines facilitate the safe and efficient resumption of elective cataract surgery in India.
• Adherence to these protocols is essential for minimizing COVID-19 transmission risks in eye care settings.
• The guidelines provide a framework for managing cataract care during and after the pandemic, ensuring continued efforts to reduce preventable blindness.