1
|
Choi EH, Hong JD, Suh S, Menezes CR, Walker KR, Bui J, Storch A, Torres D, Espinoza J, Shahraki K, Molina I, Suh DW. Exploring Pediatric Vision Care: Insights from Five Years of Referral Cases in the UCI Eye Mobile and Implications of COVID-19. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38661310 DOI: 10.3928/01913913-20240314-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze referral rates, patient demographics, referral indications, and the impact of socioeconomic factors on ocular health from the University of California Irvine (UCI) Eye Mobile for Children, particularly during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed on de-identified records of children examined on the UCI Eye Mobile. GraphPad Prism 10.0.0 and Python software were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS In the academic years from 2018 to 2022, 3,619 children received comprehensive eye examinations on the UCI Eye Mobile. Among them, 76 were referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist. The majority of these children were Hispanic (72.6%, 54 of 74), followed by Asian (10.9%, 8 of 74). A significant proportion (82.9%, 63 of 76) attended school districts with median incomes below that of Orange County. Statistically significant differences were found in age (P = .001; pre-COVID: 3.98 ± 1.08 years vs COVID: 5.75 ± 2.92 years) and gender (P = .023; pre-COVID female: 31 of 41 vs COVID female: 15 of 32) between the pre-COVID and COVID years. Additionally, there were significant differences in the proportion of children with hyperopia with astigmatism between the pre-COVID and COVID years (P = .044; pre-COVID: 23 of 40 vs COVID: 12 of 35). The most common indications for ophthalmologist referrals were for strabismus evaluation/treatment (28.9%, 22 of 76), followed by abnormal cup-to-disc ratio (21.1%, 16 of 76). CONCLUSIONS The study highlights the pivotal role of the UCI Eye Mobile for children in identifying ocular conditions needing referrals to subspecialty care. The majority of children needing these referrals attended schools in lower economic communities. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have influenced the demographic and clinical characteristics. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 20XX:X(X):XXX-XXX.].
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu J, Ye Q, Xiao C, Zhuang Y, Feng L, He Y, Xu Z, Zhou Y, Chen X, Yao Y, Jiang R, Pang Y, Yu W, Wen Y, Yuan J, Thompson B, Li J. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic control measures on amblyopia treatment: a retrospective study of records from a tertiary eye hospital in China. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071839. [PMID: 37407054 PMCID: PMC10335509 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-071839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Amblyopia is the most common cause of unilateral visual impairment in children and requires long-term treatment. This study aimed to quantify the impact of pandemic control measures on amblyopia management. DESIGN AND SETTING This was a retrospective cohort study of data from a large amblyopia management database at a major tertiary eye care centre in China. PARTICIPANTS Outpatients with amblyopia who visited the hospital from 1 June 2019, through 28 February 2022. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the number of first and follow-up in-person visits to the hospital for amblyopia treatment. Secondary outcomes included the time interval between consecutive visits and improvement of vision (visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and stereopsis). Patient records were grouped into prepandemic and during pandemic periods. RESULTS A total of 10 060 face-to-face visits for 5361 patients (median age 6.7 years, IQR 5.4, 8.9) that spanned two lockdown periods were included in the analysis, of which 28% were follow-up visits. Pandemic control measures caused a sharp decline in the number of outpatient visits (3% and 30% of prepandemic levels in the months directly after the start of the first (2020) and second (2021) periods of pandemic control measures, respectively). However, these drops were followed by pronounced rebounds in visits that exceeded prepandemic levels by 51.1% and 108.5%, respectively. The interval between consecutive visits increased significantly during the pandemic from a median (IQR) of 120 (112, 127) days in 2019 to 197 (179, 224) in 2020 (p<0.001) and 189 (182, 221) in 2021 (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in the improvement of visual function or treatment compliance between the prepandemic and postpandemic groups. CONCLUSIONS The number of amblyopia patient hospital visits spiked well above prepandemic levels following lockdown periods. This pattern of patient behaviour can inform planning for amblyopia treatment services during and after public health-related disruptions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingqing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chutong Xiao
- Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Yijing Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunsi He
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zixuan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yusong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rengang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangfei Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wentong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junpeng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Benjamin Thompson
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jinrong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hegde N, Vidya C, Bandamwar K, Murali K, Murthy SR. The impact of COVID-19 on compliance to amblyopia treatment in a tertiary eye care center. Indian J Ophthalmol 2023; 71:2105-2108. [PMID: 37203090 PMCID: PMC10391401 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_2135_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak on compliance to amblyopia therapy from the perspective of parents of amblyopic children. Methods The participants for the qualitative study were enrolled from the medical records of a tertiary eye care center during the COVID-19 pandemic. The trained researcher conducted telephonic interviews consisting of validated 15 open-ended questions for 15 min. The questions were related to patients' compliance toward amblyopia treatment and the date of follow-up with their practitioners. The data collected were entered on Excel sheets in the participant's own words and later converted to a transcript for analysis. Results A total of 217 parents of children with amblyopia who were due for follow-up were contacted through telephone. The response rate for willingness to participate was only 36% (n = 78). Of these, 76% (n = 59) of parents reported that their child was compliant toward the treatment during the therapy period and 69% reported that their child was currently not on treatment for amblyopia. Conclusion In the current study, we have observed that although reported compliance by parents during the therapy period was good, around 69% of patients had discontinued amblyopia therapy. The main reason for the discontinuation of therapy was the failure to visit the hospital during the scheduled follow-up with the eye care practitioner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Namratha Hegde
- Sankara College of Optometry, Sankara Academy of Vision, Varthur Main Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka; Department of Optometry, Chitkara School of Health Sciences, Chitkara University, Chandigarh, Punjab, India
| | - C Vidya
- Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Sankara Eye Hospital, Varthur Main Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Kalika Bandamwar
- Department of Optometry, Chitkara School of Health Sciences, Chitkara University, Chandigarh, Punjab, India
| | - Kaushik Murali
- Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Sankara Eye Hospital, Varthur Main Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Sowmya Raveendra Murthy
- Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Sankara Eye Hospital, Varthur Main Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ambrosino C, Dai X, Antonio Aguirre B, Collins ME. Pediatric and School-Age Vision Screening in the United States: Rationale, Components, and Future Directions. CHILDREN 2023; 10:children10030490. [PMID: 36980048 PMCID: PMC10047420 DOI: 10.3390/children10030490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric vision screening detects children at risk for visual conditions with the goal of connecting those in need with an eye care provider for evaluation and treatment. The primary aim for vision screening in younger children is the detection of those at risk for amblyopia, which can result in irreversible vision loss if left untreated. In older children, screening goals broaden to include the detection of risk for uncorrected refractive error. In the United States, professional organization guidelines and state-mandated requirements for vision screening vary widely across both the timing and components of screening. In this article, we describe the goals and components of pediatric vision screenings, current challenges, novel approaches to providing follow-up services through school-based vision programs, and future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Xi Dai
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Bani Antonio Aguirre
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Megan E. Collins
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ophthalmologic emergency room visits during COVID-19 lockdown–Characterization from Haifa, Israel. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273033. [PMID: 35984780 PMCID: PMC9390934 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To characterize quantitative differences among ophthalmologic emergency room (OER) encounters at Rambam Health Care Campus during a 6-week complete lockdown at the peak of the first COVID-19 wave as compared to a corresponding uneventful period a year earlier. Methods A retrospective chart analysis of all OER encounters during the lockdown and non-lockdown period was conducted. Patients were stratified into primary ophthalmological conditions (OER visits) and cases in which ophthalmologic consultations were requested by a non-ophthalmologist (OER consultations). The following parameters were compared: total number of cases, age, gender, chief complaint/diagnosis categorized into major entities, and discharge vs. hospitalization. For continuous variables a t-test was used and for categorical variables a chi-squared or Fisher’s exact test was used. A 2-sided p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The total number of patients in the lockdown and non-lockdown groups was 486 and 992, respectively, showing a 51% decrease in visits during lockdown. In the non-lockdown and lockdown groups 56% and 61% of patients were male (p = 0.07), with an average age of 42 (range 0–97, SD 23) and 43 (range 0–90, SD 22) years, respectively (p = 0.44). No statistically significant proportional increase was found for any diagnostic category between the OER visits (p = 0.07) and OER consultation groups (p = 0.77). Nevertheless, analysis revealed a non-significant increase in the proportion of eye trauma from 14.8% to 21.2%, and reduction in eyelid conditions from 10.7% to 5.8%. The total number of OER visits demanding urgent intervention on admission was 43 (non-lockdown) and 24 (lockdown), while hospitalization ratio (hospitalizations/visits) was 8.8% and 10.6%, respectively (p = 0.44). Conclusions During the COVID-19 lockdown the guideline for patients in Israel was to avoid unnecessary hospital visits. Since patients tended to avoid the OER rather uniformly regardless of their specific eye condition, determining the risk-benefit of such recommendations and identifying high-risk sub-populations are critical public health issues.
Collapse
|
6
|
Abd El Rahim NS, Ashour AA. Assessment of Quality of Life and Supporting Structures in Implant Retained Mandibular Overdenture: A 5-Year Cohort Study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dent 2022; 14:171-182. [PMID: 35722442 PMCID: PMC9198266 DOI: 10.2147/ccide.s364814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To assess oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), marginal bone loss (MBL), and changes in soft tissue including probing pocket depth and implant stability in 2 implants retained mandibular overdentures during 5 years follow-up periods. Methods Forty completely edentulous patients with age 51-64 years were recruited for that longitudinal cohort study. Complete dentures were performed for all participants. Two implants (3.6 × 11.5 mm) were installed in the canine areas of the mandible. OHRQoL and MBL measures were performed every 1 year for 5 years, while clinical measures were made every 6 months for 60 months. Data were examined using repeated ANOVA and Friedman test. Results Thirty-seven patients had 74 implants; with mean age 56 ± 3.6 years; 43% females (n = 16) and 57% males (n = 21) accomplished the study. There were statistically significant differences in OHRQoL, MBL, and changes in soft tissue, including probing pocket depth and implant stability in 2 implants retained mandibular overdentures during 5 years follow-up periods, p ≤ 0.05. Conclusion Mandibular overdentures retained by 2 implants provide a positive long-term effect on OHRQoL, MBL, probing pocket depth, and implant stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neveen S Abd El Rahim
- Department of Removable Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine for Girls, Al- Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Removable Prosthodontics, College of Dentistry, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asmaa A Ashour
- Department of Removable Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine for Girls, Al- Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Günaydın NT, Oral AYA. Pediatric traumatic cataracts: 10-year experience of a tertiary referral center. BMC Ophthalmol 2022; 22:199. [PMID: 35501774 PMCID: PMC9063203 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-022-02427-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to evaluate the factors influencing final visual acuity in pediatric traumatic cataracts. Methods Data of patients who presented with traumatic cataracts were reviewed retrospectively. We evaluated age at trauma; gender, trauma type, cause, and zone; duration between the time of trauma and cataract surgery; surgical method used; time, location, and type of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation; initial and final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA); amblyopia rate; and complications. Results In all, 61 eyes of 59 patients aged < 16 years with cataracts after trauma were included. The mean age of the children was 7.2 ± 3.9 years. Primary IOL implantation was performed in 70.9% of eyes. The BCVA was 0.7 LogMAR or better in 5.9% of the 49 eyes in which the visual acuity could be measured at the time of trauma and in 69.1% of 55 eyes in which it could be measured after treatment. Evaluation of factors potentially influencing the final visual acuity revealed that eyes that had undergone posterior capsulotomy (PC) and anterior vitrectomy (AV) during cataract surgery had significantly better final visual acuity compared with eyes that did not undergo these procedures. Conclusions In children with posttraumatic cataracts, final visual acuity was not affected by patient age and gender; trauma type, cause, and zone; duration between the time of trauma and cataract surgery; surgical method used; and time, location, and type of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Improvements in the final BCVA could be seen only by PC + AV combined with lens aspiration with or without IOL implantation. However, this approach of amblyopia treatment needs to be confirmed by more comprehensive and prospective studies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12886-022-02427-6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nesrin Tutaş Günaydın
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Health Sciences, Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Kartal City Hospital, Denizer Cad. No:1, 34865, Cevizli, 34100, İstanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ayşe Yeşim Aydın Oral
- Department of Ophthalmology, Afyonkarahisar University of Health Sciences, 03200, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sanak F, Faes L, Eppenberger L, Baenninger P, Kaufmann C, Golla K, Bachmann L, Buhl D, Schmid MK, Thiel M. Effect of Protective Measures on the Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Eye Clinic Staff Members. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2022; 239:605-609. [PMID: 35472816 DOI: 10.1055/a-1785-5226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Switzerland was strongly affected by the pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that resulted in a nationwide lockdown in March 2020. Ophthalmologists were at most risk of contracting a SARS-CoV-2 infection due to their close working distance from patients. The aim of the study is to evaluate the overall effectiveness of protective measures on the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among employees in a large public eye hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS After lifting the lockdown in April 2020, standard precaution measures were taken, such as no handshaking and the use of operating face masks and a protective plastic shield on slit lamps and diagnostic devices. Only patients with no signs of SARS-CoV-2 disease were seen during the study period. Specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody titers were measured in eye clinic employees at the end of April 2020 (1st test phase) and in January 2021 (2nd test phase). The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody titers among employees with daily patient contact was compared to staff members with no patient contact. RESULTS The SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in employees with daily patient contact, with 0% in the 1st phase and 7.4% in the 2nd phase, was not significantly higher than the prevalence in the control group with no patient contact (0.9% in the 1st phase, p = 0.4; and 8.6% in the 2nd phase, p = 0.8). Furthermore, physicians were not at a significantly higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to technicians, nurses, or office staff. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that the abovementioned precaution measurements are effective in preventing transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection in eye hospitals and enable us to resume practicing ophthalmology in a safe manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frantisek Sanak
- Ophthalmology, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, Lucerne, Switzerland.,Medical Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Livia Faes
- Ophthalmology, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, Lucerne, Switzerland.,Medical Retina and Uveitis, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | | | | | - Claude Kaufmann
- Ophthalmology, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, Lucerne, Switzerland.,Medical Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Kathrin Golla
- Ophthalmology, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Lucas Bachmann
- Medical Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Research Consultancy, Medignition INC, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Buhl
- Laboratory Medicine, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Martin K Schmid
- Ophthalmology, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Thiel
- Ophthalmology, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, Lucerne, Switzerland.,Medical Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li H, Zhang L, Tian H, Zhang S, Zhang X, Zhang H, Chen Y, Qi W, Wu X, Jiang H, Yang H, Yang Y, Liu L, Zhang G. Effect of 0.01% Atropine on Accommodation in Myopic Teenagers. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:808440. [PMID: 35211016 PMCID: PMC8861529 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.808440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of 0.01% atropine eye drops on accommodative system parameters among teenagers with low myopia. Methods: Ninety-five myopic teenagers [39 boys (8.69 ± 2.473) and 56 girls (8.54 ± 2.054) aged 5-17 years] with no history of eye disease were enrolled. Biometric and accommodative system parameters were evaluated before and at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months of 0.01% atropine eye drop instillation. Results: Participants without accommodative demand at 6 months demonstrated insignificant changes after the atropine instillation (all p > 0.05). Nevertheless, there were significant differences in accommodative sensitivity, accommodative amplitude, accommodative responsiveness, and negative relative accommodation (NRA) at 3 months compared with baseline after atropine instillation (all p < 0.05). Except spherical equivalent refraction, cornea thickness, intraocular pressure, and axial length were stable after the 0.01% atropine instillation (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: Morphologically, current measurements suggested that 0.01% atropine had favorable reduction of accommodation for childhood low myopia over a half-year period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huixia Li
- Department of Retina, Inner Mongolia Chaoju Eye Hospital, Hohhot, China
| | - Liying Zhang
- Department of Cataract, Ulanqab Chaoju Eye Hospital, Ulanqab, China
| | - Hong Tian
- Department of Cataract, Baotou Kunlun Chaoju Eye Hospital, Baotou, China
| | - Song Zhang
- Department of Graduate School, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xueyan Zhang
- Department of Retina, Inner Mongolia Chaoju Eye Hospital, Hohhot, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Retina, Inner Mongolia Chaoju Eye Hospital, Hohhot, China
| | - Yujing Chen
- Department of Cataract, Ulanqab Chaoju Eye Hospital, Ulanqab, China
| | - Wenping Qi
- Department of Cataract, Baotou Chaoju Eye Hospital, Baotou, China
| | - Xiaoying Wu
- Department of Cataract, Baotou Chaoju Eye Hospital, Baotou, China
| | - Hongmei Jiang
- Department of Myopia, Chifeng Chaoju Eye Hospital, Chifeng, China
| | - Hailong Yang
- Department of Retina, Inner Mongolia Chaoju Eye Hospital, Hohhot, China
| | - Yajun Yang
- Department of Cataract, Baotou Chaoju Eye Hospital, Baotou, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Eye Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Guisen Zhang
- Department of Retina, Inner Mongolia Chaoju Eye Hospital, Hohhot, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Scarpa G, Urban F, Scarpa M, Formentini S, Beccastrini A. Intravitreal Injections during the COVID-19 Outbreak in Northern Italy: An Innovative Approach for a High Quality and Safe Treatment. Eur J Ophthalmol 2022; 32:3667-3673. [PMID: 35132906 DOI: 10.1177/11206721221078554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intravitreal injection (IVI) is a standard procedure performed in ophthalmology to treat several conditions, and is performed in different settings across countries. The Italian guidelines recommend this intervention is performed in an operating room to minimize the risk of infections, while in other countries, including Canada, USA and the UK, IVIs are performed in the ophthalmologist's office. The 2020 COVID-19 outbreak caused a dramatic modification in outpatient care. Consequently, non-urgent surgical activities, like IVIs, were subjected to a drastic reduction. METHODS We conducted observational study which investigated the outcomes of IVIs performed in an ophthalmologist's office using a mobile laminar flow unit, the Operio mobile (Toul Meditech, Operio®) versus an operating room setting. RESULTS Use of the Operio mobile allowed the safety performance of 3838 IVIs during COVID-19 and significantly reduced the waiting time of the first visit. This results in a faster intervention without affecting the technical IVI procedure that remained unchanged comparing the two settings. Specifically, we observed a 26% reduction in operation costs for each IVI performed in the office, which can be translated to a higher impact when considering the total number of IVIs performed over one year. CONCLUSION The use of the Operio mobile in an ophthalmologist's office provides flexibility to perform IVIs, assuring patient safety, reducing healthcare personnel employment times, and the waiting lists for the patients, increasing the number of surgeries and improving the cost-effectiveness of the procedure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Scarpa
- 18173Azienda ULSS n 2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Veneto, Italy
| | - Francesca Urban
- 18173Azienda ULSS n 2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Veneto, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|