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Impact of COVID-19-Related Lockdown on Glaucoma Patients

Mine Esen Barış1, Mukaddes Damla Çiftçi1, Suzan Güven Yılmaz1

  • 1Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, İzmir, Turkey

Turkish Journal of Ophthalmology
|April 28, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown significantly reduced emergency glaucoma surgeries by 71.7%. Some patients experienced vision loss due to delayed care, highlighting the need for continued access to eye health services during pandemics.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated global lockdowns, impacting healthcare access.
  • Glaucoma management requires timely interventions to prevent irreversible vision loss.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on emergency and outpatient admissions for glaucoma patients in Turkey.
  • To assess the effect of pandemic-related restrictions on glaucoma patient care and outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of glaucoma patients between March 11, 2020, and May 31, 2020 (lockdown period).
  • Comparison of data with the same period in 2019.
  • Evaluation of visual acuity and intraocular pressure post-lockdown.

Main Results:

  • Emergency glaucoma surgeries decreased by 71.7% during the lockdown compared to 2019.
  • 123 glaucoma patients were seen in outpatient clinics during the lockdown.
  • Marked visual loss was detected in 5.5% of patients examined post-lockdown who missed follow-ups.

Conclusions:

  • The COVID-19 lockdown led to a substantial decrease in emergency glaucoma surgeries.
  • Delayed presentation for care during the lockdown resulted in vision loss for some patients.
  • Ensuring continuous access to glaucoma care during public health emergencies is crucial.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19glaucomaglaucoma treatment

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