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Allam VSRR, Patel VK, De Rubis G, Paudel KR, Gupta G, Chellappan DK, Singh SK, Hansbro PM, Oliver BGG, Dua K. Exploring the role of the ocular surface in the lung-eye axis: Insights into respiratory disease pathogenesis. Life Sci 2024; 349:122730. [PMID: 38768774 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) represent a significant proportion of global health burden, with a wide spectrum of varying, heterogenic conditions largely affecting the pulmonary system. Recent advances in immunology and respiratory biology have highlighted the systemic impact of these diseases, notably through the elucidation of the lung-eye axis. The current review focusses on understanding the pivotal role of the lung-eye axis in the pathogenesis and progression of chronic respiratory infections and diseases. Existing literature published on the immunological crosstalk between the eye and the lung has been reviewed. The various roles of the ocular microbiome in lung health are also explored, examining the eye as a gateway for respiratory virus transmission, and assessing the impact of environmental irritants on both ocular and respiratory systems. This novel concept emphasizes a bidirectional relationship between respiratory and ocular health, suggesting that respiratory diseases may influence ocular conditions and vice versa, whereby this conception provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the intricate axis connecting both respiratory and ocular health. These aspects underscore the need for an integrative approach in the management of chronic respiratory diseases. Future research should further elucidate the in-depth molecular mechanisms affecting this axis which would pave the path for novel diagnostics and effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkata Sita Rama Raju Allam
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden; Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia; School of Life Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Vyoma K Patel
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Gabriele De Rubis
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Keshav Raj Paudel
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jagatpura, Jaipur, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- Biomedical Science, School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Philip M Hansbro
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Brian Gregory George Oliver
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India; Respiratory and Cellular Molecular Biology Group, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Glebe, NSW 2037, Australia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
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Niedźwiedź A, Pius-Sadowska E, Kawa M, Kuligowska A, Parczewski M, Safranow K, Kozłowski K, Machaliński B, Machalińska A. IgA-Based Secretory Response in Tears of COVID-19 Patients: A Potential Biomarker of Pro-Inflammatory State in Course of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Pathogens 2022; 11. [PMID: 36297155 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucosal immunity, including secretory IgA (sIgA), plays an important role in the early defence against SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, a comprehensive evaluation of the local immune response in tears in relation to blood antibody reservoirs has not yet been conducted. A total of 179 symptomatic laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients were included in this single-centre study. Conjunctival swabs were analysed by a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. In parallel, tear samples collected by Schirmer test strips and plasma samples were analysed by ELISA to detect anti-S1 IgA levels. The concentrations of selected inflammatory cytokines in tears were determined by a magnetic bead assay. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 sIgA was present in the tears of 81 (45.25%) confirmed COVID-19 patients, and the tear IgA levels were correlated with the plasma IgA levels (Rs = +0.29, p = 0.0003). SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the conjunctival sac was identified in 18 COVID-19 patients (10%). Positive correlations between the tear IgA level and the concentrations of several cytokines TNF-α (Rs = +0.23, p = 0.002), IL-1β (Rs = +0.25, p < 0.001), IL-2 (Rs = +0.20, p = 0.007), IL-4 (Rs = +0.16, p = 0.04), IL-5 (Rs = +0.36, p < 0.001), IL-6 (Rs = +0.32, p < 0.001), IL-8 (Rs = +0.31, p < 0.001), VEGF (Rs = +0.25, p < 0.001) and GM-CSF (Rs = +0.27, p < 0.001) were also found. Quantitative tear film-based sIgA could potentially serve as a rapid and easily accessible biomarker of external mucosal immunity to SARS-CoV-2. The concentration of sIgA is directly related to individual host immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Naaman E, Bar N, Zaher E, Shapira L, Blumenthal EZ. 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [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.
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Eppenberger LS, Golla K, Schmid MK. Emergency Vitrectomies for Retinal Detachment Before and During the Coronavirus Pandemic - A Retrospective Single Centre Analysis. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2022; 239:476-483. [PMID: 35472790 PMCID: PMC9042420 DOI: 10.1055/a-1808-6258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background
While the corona pandemic and the resulting containment measures affect the number of elective surgical procedures, the impact on emergency surgical interventions is less
tangible. This analysis quantifies the frequency of emergency vitrectomies for retinal detachment and investigates underlying factors.
Methods
Retrospective identification of patients who underwent primary emergency vitrectomies for retinal detachment at the Cantonal Hospital of Lucerne between
01.01.2018 – 31.12.2020. Parameters were collected, including demographics, date of hospitalisation, reported onset of symptoms, pre-operative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA),
involvement of the macula, and canton of residence.
Results
Overall, a total of 665 patients with 683 eyes underwent emergency surgery for primary retinal detachment in the time span of 01.01.2018 – 31.12.2020. Median monthly number
of surgeries was 20. During the first Swiss national lockdown (16.03.2020 – 19.04.2020), a minimum of 9 vitrectomies was recorded in March 2020. A maximum of 36 vitrectomies was conducted in
August 2020. The mean age of patients was 61.5 years. Of the 665 patients, 133 (20.0%) were residents of the canton of Ticino. Median pre-operative BCVA was 0.25 over all three years, and no
significant reduction in pre-operative BCVA was observed during or after the lockdown. The proportion of eyes with involvement of the macula was 52.2%. In 2018, this proportion (47.6%) was
significantly lower than in 2019 and 2020 (Chi
2
test, p < 0.001). However, cases with macular involvement in post lockdown months were not more frequent. Median time in days
from reported symptom onset to hospitalisation was 5 days. In April 2020, the proportion of patients with > 14 days symptom duration was significantly higher (Chi
2
test,
p < 0.001). During the lockdown, there was a significant reduction in cases from Ticino. Also, patients from Ticino showed proportionally longer symptom duration after the lockdown.
Conclusion
A significant reduction in the number of emergency vitrectomies was observed for the initial period of the coronavirus pandemic. Delayed emergency presentation is not
assumed, since there was no increase in severity (i.e. macular involvement) or prolonged symptoms in the months following the lockdown. More protracted symptoms were only observed in
patients from Ticino. The initial low numbers were generally made good later in the year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Sara Eppenberger
- Augenklinik, Luzerner Kantonsspital, Luzern, Switzerland.,Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Kathrin Golla
- Augenklinik, Luzerner Kantonsspital, Luzern, Switzerland
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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Tsiropoulos GN, Castro DG, Ambresin A. Six Cases of Retinal Vascular Anomalies after Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Case Series. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2022; 239:537-544. [PMID: 35472801 DOI: 10.1055/a-1771-5695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its rapid spread has resulted in unexplored clinical ophthalmological manifestations. This report aims to describe a series of retinal vascular anomalies diagnosed with the use of fluorescein angiography, following contraction of COVID-19. HISTORY AND SIGNS Symptoms reported by patients were central scotoma (one case), inferior scotoma (one case), and a sensation of mild loss of vision during the COVID-19 follow-up (four cases). Best-corrected visual acuity was preserved in all patients, apart from one, who had a visual acuity of 0.4, decimal scale (6/15, Snellen) in the left eye. THERAPY AND OUTCOME Clinical manifestations included bilateral retinal vasculitis (two cases), branch retinal vein occlusion (one case), branch retinal artery occlusion (one case), hemi-central retinal vein occlusion (one case), and optic disc edema due to central retinal vein occlusion (one case) occurring 0 - 8 months after COVID-19 contraction. Serological testing was performed in every patient to exclude any other recognized cause of retinal vascular occlusion and inflammation and to confirm immunity against the novel coronavirus. None of the patients required any ocular treatment. CONCLUSIONS Arterial and venous occlusive as well as inflammatory retinal vascular pathologies can occur both during and after the acute phase of COVID-19 as manifestations of ocular long-term effects of COVID-19 and should be included in the differential diagnosis of retinal occlusive pathologies. This case series suggests that careful investigations, including fundoscopy and fluorescein angiography, should be required in patients with visual complaints, both in the acute and long-term follow-up of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios N Tsiropoulos
- RétinElysée, Ophthalmology Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Visio Montchoisi, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Department of Health Sciences, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Daniela Gallo Castro
- RétinElysée, Ophthalmology Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Visio Montchoisi, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Aude Ambresin
- RétinElysée, Ophthalmology Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Visio Montchoisi, Lausanne, Switzerland
- University of Lausanne (UNIL), Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
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7
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Scarpa
- 18173Azienda ULSS n 2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Veneto, Italy
| | - Francesca Urban
- 18173Azienda ULSS n 2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Veneto, Italy
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Puzo M, Sánchez-Monroy J, Porcar-Plana CA, Bartol-Puyal FDA, Dotti-Boada M, Peña-Urbina P, Izquierdo-Serra J, López-Montero A, Pérez-García P, Bordonaba-Bosque D, Pablo LE, Calvo P. Ocular related emergencies in Spain during the COVID-19 pandemic, a multicenter study. BMC Ophthalmol 2021; 21:408. [PMID: 34837985 PMCID: PMC8626758 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-021-02169-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate ophthalmological emergencies (OE) during the COVID-19 pandemic comparing them with the same period of the previous year. METHODS Retrospective observational study of all OE visits in four tertiary hospitals in Spain comparing data from March 16th to April 30th, 2020 (COVID-19 period) and the same period of 2019 (pre-COVID-19 period). Severity of the conditions was assessed following Channa et al. publication. Data on demographics, diagnosis and treatments were collected from Electronic Medical Records. RESULTS During lockdown, OE significantly declined by 75.18%, from 7,730 registered in the pre-COVID-19 period to 1,928 attended during the COVID-19 period (p < 0.001). In 2019, 23.86% of visits were classified as emergent, 59.50% as non-emergent, and 16.65% could not be determined. In 2020, the percentage of emergent visits increased up to 29.77%, non-emergent visits significantly decreased to 52.92% (p < 0.001), and 17.31% of the visits were classified as "could not determine". During the pandemic, people aged between 45 and 65 years old represented the largest attending group (37.89%), compared to 2019, where patients over 65 years were the majority (39.80%). In 2019, most frequent diagnosis was unspecified acute conjunctivitis (11.59%), followed by vitreous degeneration (6.47%), and punctate keratitis (5.86%). During the COVID-19 period, vitreous degeneration was the first cause for consultation (9.28%), followed by unspecified acute conjunctivitis (5.63%) and punctate keratitis (5.85%). CONCLUSIONS OE visits dropped significantly during the pandemic in Spain (75.18%), although more than half were classified as non-urgent conditions, indicating a lack of understanding of the really emergent ocular pathologies among population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martín Puzo
- Ophthalmology Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Paseo Isabel la Católica 1-3, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain. .,Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragón Institute for Health Research (IIS-Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Jorge Sánchez-Monroy
- Ophthalmology Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Paseo Isabel la Católica 1-3, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.,Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragón Institute for Health Research (IIS-Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Francisco de Asís Bartol-Puyal
- Ophthalmology Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Paseo Isabel la Católica 1-3, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.,Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragón Institute for Health Research (IIS-Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.,University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Pilar Peña-Urbina
- Ophthalmology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ana López-Montero
- Ophthalmology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - Luis E Pablo
- Ophthalmology Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Paseo Isabel la Católica 1-3, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.,Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragón Institute for Health Research (IIS-Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.,University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Pilar Calvo
- Ophthalmology Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Paseo Isabel la Católica 1-3, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.,Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragón Institute for Health Research (IIS-Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
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9
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Zhong Y, Wang K, Zhu Y, Lyu D, Yu Y, Li S, Yao K. Ocular manifestations in COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Travel Med Infect Dis 2021; 44:102191. [PMID: 34763068 PMCID: PMC8574127 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2021.102191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction With the accumulating evidence of ocular manifestations of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the study aimed to systematically summarize the ocular manifestations in COVID-19 patients. Methods The PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science databases were searched through June 2021. Studies that provided clinical characteristics and outcomes and reported on the ocular manifestations or conjunctival swab RT-PCR tests among COVID-19 patients were included. Results A total of 30 studies involving 5,717 patients were identified. Ocular manifestations including conjunctival hyperemia (7.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8–8.9%), conjunctival discharge (4.8%, 95% CI 1.8–8.9%), epiphora (6.9%, 95% CI 2.8–12.8%), and foreign body sensation (6.9%, 95% CI 2.4–13.0%) were observed. The positive rate of conjunctival swab tests was 3.9% (95% CI 0.2–6.4%). Severe cases of COVID-19 were associated with an increased risk of developing ocular complications (odds ratio [OR] = 2.77, 95% CI 1.75–4.40). Conclusions Despite their relatively low incidence rate in COVID-19 patients, ocular manifestations may be non-specific and present as the initial symptoms of infection. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the conjunctival swabs implicates the eye as a potential source of infection. Early diagnosis and proper eye protection would help prevent viral transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyang Zhong
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yanan Zhu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Danni Lyu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yinhui Yu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Su Li
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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10
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Toro MD, Bremond-Gignac D, Brézin AP, Cummings AB, Kemer OE, Kermani O, Malyugin BE, Prieto I, Teus MA, Tognetto D, Zweifel S, Rejdak R. COVID-19 outbreak and increased risk of amblyopia and epidemic myopia: Insights from EUROCOVCAT group. Eur J Ophthalmol 2021; 32:17-22. [PMID: 34751045 DOI: 10.1177/11206721211053175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The most common cause of vision impairment in children is amblyopia. It is defined as impaired visual acuity in one or both eyes that is present with no demonstrable abnormality of the visual pathway and is not immediately resolved by wearing glasses. After the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized COVID-19 as a global pandemic on March 11, 2020, widespread changes and restrictions to social and sanitary practices have presented significant issues in access to eye care during the COVID-19 pandemic. A reduction of more than 80% in pediatric eye care volume up to its total cessation has been observed in different departments. In this scenario, reduced or absent eyesight, due to delay in timely treatment of amblyopic conditions, could create major, long-lasting effects on all aspects of life, including daily personal activities, interacting with the community, school and work opportunities and the ability to access public services. Processes coming out of lockdown should be gradually easing restrictions giving priority to ophthalmology and eye care facilities so that amblyopia does not remain unattended and irreversible as in adults due to lack of timely treatments. If not reversible, this process could lead to a dramatic increase in disability and unsustainable social costs for many governments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Damiano Toro
- Department of General and Pediatric Ophthalmology, 49554Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Bremond-Gignac
- 246596University Hospital Necker Enfants Malades, APHP, Paris, France.,INSERM 1138, Team 17, Paris Sorbonne University, Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | - Omid Kermani
- Augenklinik am Neumarkt Schildergasse 107 - 109, Köln, Germany
| | - Boris Edvard Malyugin
- 96710Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Moscow, Russian Federation.,A. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Russian Federation
| | | | | | | | - Sandrine Zweifel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robert Rejdak
- Department of General and Pediatric Ophthalmology, 49554Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Li J, Zhao M, She H. The impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment treatment patterns. BMC Ophthalmol 2021; 21:372. [PMID: 34666710 PMCID: PMC8524212 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-021-02127-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds To describe changes in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgical procedures in Beijing during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Methods A retrospective cohort of RRD patients was analyzed. Patients were divided into the COVID-19 pandemic group and pre-COVID-19 group according to their presentation. The presurgery characteristics, surgical procedures, and surgery outcomes were collected. The potential factors related to the choice of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or scleral buckling (SB) were analyzed using logistic regression. The differences in the procedure choice under specific conditions were compared. Surgery outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results In the COVID-19 pandemic group, less patients received SB (27.8, 41.3%, p = 0.02) while more patients received PPV (72.2, 58.6%, p = 0.02); in patients who received SB, fewer patients received subretinal fluid drainage (45.4,75.7%, p = 0.01); in patients who received PPV, fewer patients received phacovitrectomy (7.0, 21.0%, p = 0.02). The choice of PPV was related to older age (1.03, p = 0.005), the presence of RRD with choroidal detachment (RRD-CD) (2.92, p = 0.03), pseudophakia (5.0, p = 0.002), retinal breaks located posterior to the equator (4.87, p < 0.001), macular holes (9.76, p = 0.005), and a presurgery visual acuity (VA) less than 0.02 (0.44, p = 0.03). Fewer phakia patients with retinal breaks located posterior to the equator (1/28, 11/30, p = 0.01) and fewer patients with chronic RRD and subretinal strand (1/9, 9/16, p = 0.03) received SB in the COVID-19 pandemic group. There were more patients with improved VA (55.7, 40.2%, p = 0.03) in the COVID-19 pandemic group. The overall single-surgery retinal attachment rate was similar in the two groups (94.9, 94.5%, p = 0.99). Conclusions During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the main reason for the increased number of PPV in RRD treatment was that more complicated cases were presented. However, the surgeons were conservative in procedure choice in specific cases. The adjustments on RRD treatments lead to comparable surgery outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jipeng Li
- Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, No1. Dongjiaominxiang street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Meng Zhao
- Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, No1. Dongjiaominxiang street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Haicheng She
- Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, No1. Dongjiaominxiang street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
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12
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Abstract
Aim To compare pupillary responses in patients with Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) during active infection and at 3rd months post-infection. Methods This study included 58 COVID-19 cases (mean age 47.23 ± 1.1 years). The scotopic, mesopic and photopic diameters were noted. Pupil diameters were noted at the 0, 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th seconds in reflex pupil dilation after the termination of a light. The average dilation speed was calculated at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th seconds. Pupil responses measured during COVID-19 infection and 3 months later were compared. Results The mean scotopic and mesopic pupil diameter value of during COVID-19 infection was found lower than the 3rd month post-infection. (p = 0.001, p = 0.023; respectively). No statistically significant difference was found in the mean photopic pupil diameter and the mean pupil diameter at 0 s between measurements (p > 0.05, p = 0.734; respectively). The mean pupil diameter was significantly lower during COVID-19 infection at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th seconds (p < 0.01, for each). The average dilation speed measurements at every second measured were lower in during COVID-19 infection than the 3rd months later (p = 0.001; p < 0.01 for each). Conclusions Pupil responses were found significantly different in COVID-19 cases when compared with the measurements taken three months later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serap Yurttaser Ocak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prof. Dr. Cemil Tascioglu Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Darulaceze cad, Kaptanpasa mah, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Seyma Gulcenur Ozturan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prof. Dr. Cemil Tascioglu Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Darulaceze cad, Kaptanpasa mah, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emine Bas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prof. Dr. Cemil Tascioglu Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Darulaceze cad, Kaptanpasa mah, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey
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13
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Shimada H, Nakashizuka H. Cataract Surgery by Intraoperative Surface Irrigation with 0.25% Povidone-Iodine. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3611. [PMID: 34441906 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery is typically caused by the patient's own conjunctival normal bacterial flora. A three-step approach is recommended to prevent endophthalmitis: (1) "border control" to prevent microorganisms from entering the eye by disinfecting the ocular surface is the most important measure; (2) bacteria that have gained access into the anterior chamber are reduced by irrigation; (3) bacteria remaining in the anterior chamber and vitreous at the end of surgery are controlled by antibacterial drugs. We have devised a method, "the Shimada technique", for irrigating the ocular surface with povidone-iodine, a disinfectant with potent microbicidal effect and established effective and safe concentrations for eye tissues. Povidone-iodine exhibits a bactericidal effect for a wide concentration range of 0.005-10%, but 0.1% povidone-iodine has the highest activity and requires the shortest time of only 15 s to achieve microbicidal effect. When used to irrigate the ocular surface every 20-30 s during cataract surgery, 0.25% povidone-iodine is conceivably diluted to around 0.1%. Irrigation with 0.25% povidone-iodine during cataract surgery significantly reduced bacteria contamination rate in the anterior chamber compared with saline (p = 0.0017) without causing corneal endothelial damage.
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14
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Bajka A, Wiest MRJ, Hamann T, Toro MD, Zweifel SA. Assessment of Patients' Confidence Regarding a New Triage Concept in a Medical Retina Clinic during the First COVID-19 Outbreak. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:5846. [PMID: 34072435 PMCID: PMC8199092 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the first COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, a new triage concept had to be implemented for patients with retinal diseases having a scheduled appointment at the medical retina clinic. In this study, we aimed to assess patients' confidence in this triage concept and patients' satisfaction regarding the received treatment during the outbreak. METHODS This retrospective study included all patients with a diagnosed retinal disease, triaged into three priority groups based on their condition's urgency during lockdown. After restrictions were eased, a subset of previously triaged patients was interviewed to assess their confidence in the triage and their satisfaction regarding the received treatment during the pandemic. RESULTS In total, 743 patients were triaged during the lockdown. Over 80% received an urgent appointment (priority 1). Among all priority 1 patients, over 84% attended their appointment and 77% received an intravitreal injection (IVI), while 7% cancelled their appointment due to COVID-19. In post-lockdown interviews of 254 patients, 90% trusted the emergency regimen and received treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our triage seemed to be useful in optimizing access to treatment for patients with retinal diseases. An excellent rating of patients' confidence in the triage and satisfaction regarding the received treatment during the first COVID-19 outbreak could be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahita Bajka
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (A.B.); (M.R.J.W.); (T.H.); (M.D.T.)
- University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maximilian Robert Justus Wiest
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (A.B.); (M.R.J.W.); (T.H.); (M.D.T.)
- University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Timothy Hamann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (A.B.); (M.R.J.W.); (T.H.); (M.D.T.)
- University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mario Damiano Toro
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (A.B.); (M.R.J.W.); (T.H.); (M.D.T.)
- University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
- Chair and Department of General and Pediatric Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, 20079 Lublin, Poland
| | - Sandrine Anne Zweifel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (A.B.); (M.R.J.W.); (T.H.); (M.D.T.)
- University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
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15
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Cummings AB, Gildea C, Brézin AP, Malyugin BE, Evren Kemer O, Kermani O, Prieto I, Rejdak R, Teus MA, Tognetto D, Zweifel S, Toro MD. Impact on refractive surgery due to increasing use of personal protection equipment: Insights from EUROCOVCAT group. Eur J Ophthalmol 2021; 31:2789-2793. [PMID: 34041930 PMCID: PMC8606802 DOI: 10.1177/11206721211018641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic on 11th March 2020, changes to social and sanitary practices have included significant issues in access and management of eye care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the fear of loss, coupled with social distancing, lockdown, economic instability, and uncertainty, have led to a significant psychosocial impact that will have to be addressed. In the current COVID-19 pandemic, personal protective equipment such as face masks or face coverings have become a daily necessity. While “mass masking” along with hand hygiene and social distancing became more widespread, new issues began to emerge – particularly in those who wore spectacles as a means of vision correction. As we began to see routine patients again after the first lockdown had been lifted, many patients visited our clinics for refractive surgery consultations with a primary motivating factor of wanting spectacle independence due to the fogging of their spectacles as a result of wearing a mask. In this article, we report on new emerging issues in eye care due to the widespread use of masks and on the new unmet need in the corneal and cataract refractive surgery fields.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Boris E Malyugin
- S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Omid Kermani
- Augenklinik am Neumarkt Schildergasse, Köln, Germany
| | - Isabel Prieto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Robert Rejdak
- Chair and Department of General and Pediatric Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Miguel A Teus
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniele Tognetto
- Eye Clinic, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sandrine Zweifel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Zürich, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mario D Toro
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Zürich, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medical Sciences, Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Warsaw, Poland
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