Digital Technology for AMD Management in the Post-COVID-19 New Normal

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Digital Health
• Medical Technology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic strained healthcare systems, necessitating adaptations in patient care, particularly for conditions like Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
• Ophthalmologists faced challenges in managing AMD patients, balancing urgent sight-threatening conditions with deferred non-urgent care.
• The pandemic highlighted the need for innovative solutions to maintain healthcare service delivery and patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the adoption of digitalization in ophthalmology.
• To explore how digitalization strategies have addressed challenges in managing Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) during the pandemic.
• To assess the role of digital technologies in the screening, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of AMD.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
• The review focused on the application of digital technology in medicine and ophthalmology during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Specific attention was given to the digitalization of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) screening and management.

Main Results:

• Digitalization, including artificial intelligence and virtual clinics, has assisted in screening, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of AMD.
• Advancements in hardware and software for home monitoring devices have enabled patient self-monitoring.
• These digital tools have helped manage AMD progression and treatment during the pandemic.

Conclusions:

• Digitalization strategies are crucial for early detection, maintaining stability, and improving visual outcomes for AMD patients in the COVID-19 era.
• The pandemic has accelerated the acceptance and integration of digital platforms in healthcare.
• Digital platforms are expected to become a routine and standard component of healthcare delivery post-COVID-19.