Increased photokeratitis during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: Clinical and epidemiological features and preventive measures

Changing Incidence and Characteristics of Photokeratoconjunctivitis During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction

Photokeratoconjunctivitis (PKC) is primarily caused by welding. However, inappropriate use of germicidal lamps, which have been widely used following the COVID-19 outbreak, can also cause PKC. Our goal in this study was to investigate the incidence of and changes in the causes of PKC during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a single-center, retrospective observational study. The health records of patients who visited the emergency department in a tertiary care hospital from January 1, 2018-December 31, 2021 and were diagnosed with PKC, were reviewed. We then conducted an analysis to compare the characteristics of PKC before and after COVID-19 began and the features of PKC caused by welding and germicidal lamps.

Results

There were 160 PKC cases with a clear etiology before the COVID-19 pandemic and 147 cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. No significant differences in age and gender were detected between the two groups. The incidence of PKC induced by the use of germicidal lamps during the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly higher (10.2%) than the incidence before the pandemic (3.1%). The ratio of females to males in the germicidal lamp subgroup was significantly higher than the ratio in the welding subgroup. Limitations included incomplete information due to the retrospective nature of the study, underestimation of incidence, and possible recall bias.

Conclusion

In the era of COVID-19, clinicians should be aware of the hazards of germicidal lamps. Although the COVID-19 pandemic seems to show signs of easing, new infectious diseases that require protective measures could still emerge in the future. Therefore, injuries related to germicidal lamps deserve more public health attention.

COVID-19 Changed Prevalence, Disease Spectrum and Management Strategies of Ocular Trauma

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted the health of people around the world and has reshaped social behaviors and clinical practice. The purpose of this perspective is to provide epidemiologists and clinicians with information about how the spectrum of ocular trauma diseases changed, as well as to optimize management for improving patient prognosis during this crisis. Analysis of current studies revealed that the prevalence of eye trauma decreased overall, with a trend of delayed medical treatment during the COVID-19 era. Irregular epidemic prevention and control measures, unprotected home activities, and unusual mental states are the main causes of ocular trauma. Strategies for reducing morbidity are also discussed, including popularizing the use norms of prevention and control supplies, taking heed to the safety of family activities, highlighting the special status of child protection, and paying attention to previous case data to implement region-specific precautions. The procedure of ophthalmological emergency and outpatient management should also be optimized, and mental health should be emphasized during this pandemic.