Gentian violet (GV) ink associated reaction in a case of preloaded Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty: Case report

Purpose

This report describes a case of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) graft failure after non-clearing bullae over the area of the orientation mark on the graft.

Methods

Case report.

Results

The summary of the clinical presentation and workup is described, followed by a brief overview of the DMEK procedure and the gentian violet (GV) ink used to ensure the correct orientation of the DMEK graft.

Conclusions

GV has a good safety profile; however, there are rare cases of adverse events. Therefore, alternative approaches should be explored, such as the use of intraoperative optical coherence tomography, reviewing a video recording of the insertion step, adjusting the insertion technique, or using asymmetrical trephine marking on graft edges.

Modified sutureless and glue-free method versus conventional sutures for conjunctival autograft fixation in primary pterygium surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pterygium is a common ocular surface disorder that requires surgical intervention for treatment. Conjunctival autografts are preferred over simple excision due to lower recurrence rates. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the modified sutureless glue-free (MSGF) method with conventional sutures (CS) for conjunctival autograft fixation in primary pterygium surgery.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Google Scholar and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing MSGF and CS conjunctival autografts. Outcome measures included operation time, recurrence and postoperative complications. Standardised mean difference (SMD) and risk ratio (RR) were used for continuous and dichotomous outcomes, respectively.

RESULTS

11 RCTs involving 833 participants were included. The analysis revealed that MSGF had a significantly shorter operation time compared with CS (SMD -3.704, 95% CI -5.122 to -2.287, p<0.001). CS was associated with a higher risk of foreign body sensation (RR 0.22, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.74, p=0.01). MSGF was associated with a higher risk of graft dehiscence (RR 9.01, 95% CI 2.74 to 29.68, p=0.000) and graft retraction (RR 2.37, 95% CI 1.17 to 4.77, p=0.02). No significant differences were found in recurrence, graft haemorrhage, granuloma, Dellen and conjunctival oedema.

CONCLUSION

Using the MSGF technique in conjunctival autograft fixation for pterygium surgery reduces operation time by relying solely on the patient's blood for fixation. However, it increases the risk of graft dehiscence and retraction. However, CS is linked to a higher likelihood of experiencing foreign body sensations. Understanding the learning curve and surgeon familiarity with novel techniques is crucial for optimising patient care and surgical outcomes, while individualised decision-making is necessary considering the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Further research is warranted to minimise complications and optimise surgical outcomes.

Retinal complications post posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens implantation at a tertiary eye hospital in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

PURPOSE

Phakic intraocular lenses treat higher degrees of myopia not possible previously with conventional refractive surgery. The aim of this study is to report the incidence and risk factors of retinal complications after posterior chamber PIOL implantation and assess the differences in biometric parameters between patients who developed such complications versus those who did not.

METHODS

This retrospective study recruited 514 patients who underwent ICL implantation to correct myopia at a tertiary eye hospital center in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Follow up period was at least one year. Medical records of the patients were reviewed to obtain the required data. Associations between respondents' characteristics and retinal complications were evaluated using the Chi-squared test.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) age was 27.7 (± 6.5) years ranging from 18 to 47. Laser treatment was performed in 14 cases (2.7%). Retinal complications occurred in six cases (1.2%). The risk of retinal complication was significantly higher among patients with high axial length (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.2, 1.4) and patients with high pre-spherical equivalent before ICL (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.03, 1.4).

CONCLUSION

Patients with higher axial length and higher pre-spherical equivalent before ICL implantation are at high risk of retinal complications.

Trypan Blue and Endoillumination-Assisted Phacoemulsification in a Patient With Advanced Keratoglobus

Keratoglobus is a rare subset of noninflammatory corneal ectasia, which is a group of disorders characterized by corneal thinning, projection, and scarring. Patients with keratoglobus commonly present with poor vision. A case of advanced keratoglobus was managed by a modified phacoemulsification surgical technique using endoillumination and capsular staining with trypan blue. In this case, we present a 54-year-old man with keratoglobus. In January 2023, a modified phacoemulsification surgical technique using endoillumination was described with a video in a patient with bilateral corneal opacification, neovascularization, significant peripheral thinning, and moderate to severe corneal opacity in which cataract surgery had to be performed alone without considering penetrating keratoplasty. Postoperatively, the patient was doing well with no leaks. We may conclude that this method allows for better visualization during surgery and decreases the risk of intraoperative complications due to poor visualization in patients with severe corneal opacity.

Assessment of refractive outcomes in eyes that underwent intraocular lens implantation in the posterior chamber but not "in-the-capsular bag:" A comparative retrospective study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to report visual and refractive outcomes in eyes that underwent intraocular lens (IOL) fixation in the absence of capsular support.

METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review of cases undergoing posterior chamber iris-fixated IOL (IFIOL) and scleral-fixated IOL (SFIOL) implants from June 2014 to March 2020 with more than 3 months of follow-up and having a preoperative best-corrected visual acuity of 20/80 and more.

RESULTS

Records of 120 eyes of 112 patients were reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 46.9 ± 22.3 (14.4-98.0) years, and 62% (n = 70) of participants were male. Most of the eyes (102: 85%) were aphakic at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up was 22.95 ± 17.1 months. The efficacy index of sutured IFIOL and glued SFIOL outperformed sutured SFIOL at 3 months and final visits postoperatively (P < 0.001). All techniques studied here resulted in a similar safety index at 3 months (P = 0.4). The mean predictive error (postoperative spherical equivalent refraction minus intended target refraction) was +0.07 ± 1.5 D and -0.12 ± 1.4 D at 3 months and the final postoperative visit, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The studied techniques have relatively good visual and refractive outcomes in this series. In addition, techniques involving a small corneal incision with foldable IOL fixation to the iris or scleral tissue have superior efficacy and safety indices compared to creating large corneoscleral wounds for rigid IOL fixation techniques.

Dislocated Sömmering Ring with Decompensated Cornea Presenting 14 Years After Lens Aspiration and Anterior Vitrectomy: A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND A Sömmering ring is a post-cataract opacity (PCO) formed due to the adhesion of anterior capsule edges to the posterior capsule. It is mostly associated with aphakic cases but has also been reported in pseudophakic eyes. It becomes clinically important when dislocation occurs. The purpose of this manuscript was to report a case of anterior dislocation of the Sömmering ring 14 years after lensectomy for congenital cataract. CASE REPORT We describe a 20-year-old man who presented to the emergency room with pain, photophobia, redness, and blurry vision in the right eye. The patient was known to have bilateral amblyopia and had undergone bilateral lens aspiration and anterior vitrectomy without intraocular lens (IOL) implantation 14 years prior to presentation. On examination, the intraocular pressure was normal, the conjunctiva had moderate diffuse injection, and the cornea had 2+ diffuse edema with bullae and Descemet folds. The anterior chamber was deep with semilunar-shaped solid white material consistent with the Sömmering ring in the anterior chamber. On dilated fundus examination, the view was hazy, and B-scan ultrasonography indicated highly reflective material in the vitreous cavity and a flat retina. CONCLUSIONS Sömmering ring in the anterior chamber can be inflammatory and especially damaging to the corneal endothelium. If this complication occurs, timely intervention in the form of surgical removal is crucial to prevent endothelial cell loss and corneal decompensation. A thorough cleaning of the cortical matter after lens removal during primary surgery can reduce the risk of secondary formation of PCO. Implantation of IOL in myopic eyes can be considered to reduce the risk of Sömmering ring formation in the future and its complications.

Severe Dry Eye Disease in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: A Comprehensive Case Report

BACKGROUND Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a hereditary neurological disorder that primarily leads to peripheral neuropathy, characterized by progressive muscle weakness, atrophy, and loss of sensation in the extremities. It can also present with some ocular manifestations, such as glaucoma, nystagmus, and cranial nerve involvement. The purpose of this article was to report a case of severe dry eye disease (DED) possibly associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. CASE REPORT We report the clinical presentation, workup, and management of a woman diagnosed with CMT type 2EE based on genetic testing who suffered from severe DED sequelae. The patient had regularly followed up in the cornea service at our hospital due to DED for several years. A thorough workup to exclude causes associated with dry eye disease, including rheumatoid factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), anti-Sjögren's-syndrome-related antigen A (anti-SSA), and anti-Sjögren's-syndrome-related antigen B (Anti-SSB), were performed, and all came out negative. She recently presented to the emergency room with redness, tearing, and a decline in visual acuity after minor ocular trauma 3 weeks before her presentation. The slit lamp examination showed central corneal perforation measuring 2×2 mm with a positive Seidel test. The case was managed first by multiple attempts to seal the defect with cyanoacrylate glue, and then a patch corneal graft was performed as the anterior chamber failed to deepen. CONCLUSIONS DED may be one of the many ocular manifestations associated with CMT. Hence, a thorough assessment and multidisciplinary approach, including supportive therapy, are warranted to prevent long-term ocular sequelae, including visual loss.

Preferred surgical techniques for secondary intraocular lens implantation in adults with aphakia

AIM

To identify the current surgical management of aphakia and the outcomes and complications of each technique.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included ophthalmic surgeons with at least one-year experience in surgery for aphakia. A study questionnaire was formulated to collect data in Saudi Arabia and other regional countries. The questionnaire included 22 questions on demographics, preferred surgical techniques, complications and the factors related to surgeon decision and the choice for managing aphakia.

RESULTS

The study included 145 participants (111; 76.6% were males) with mean age of 46.7 ± 11.5 years. The mean duration of cataract surgery experience was 17.6 ± 11.1 years. Most participants (86.2%) were trained in cataract surgery. Scleral fixation of intraocular lens (SFIOL) was the most commonly preferred technique, followed by iris fixation IOL, and anterior chamber IOL (75.2%, 9%, and 15.9%, respectively). The main determinants for selection of a surgical technique were simplicity (56.6%), surgical instrument availability (48.3%), and training on the technique (47.6%). The most frequent postoperative complications were pupil distortion, high intraocular pressure (IOP), pupillary capture of the IOL, and IOL decentration.

CONCLUSIONS

SFIOL is the preferred surgical technique for managing aphakia. The decision to choose one technique over another is complex and is based on several factors, including technical difficulty, previous training, anatomical variations, ocular comorbidities, and the potential complications. The most frequent complications after surgical correction of aphakia are pupil distortion, high IOP, pupillary capture of the IOL, and decentered IOLs.

Implantable Collamer Lens Subluxation in a Patient with Lenticular Coloboma: A Case Report

BACKGROUND The efficacy and safety of the implantable collamer lens (ICL) in correcting high astigmatism have been previously reported. They are commonly used as an alternative to laser refractive surgery due to advantages such as leaving the cornea untouched, inducing fewer higher-order aberrations, resulting in better optical and visual quality, and it is a reversible procedure. We aim to present the outcome of ICL in managing anisometropia without cataract in an eye with unilateral lenticular coloboma. CASE REPORT A 27-year-old man with a Marfanoid body habitus was seeking refractive surgery for the correction of high astigmatism in the right eye. On presentation, the best corrected visual acuity was 20/30 and 20/20 in the right eye and left eye, respectively. Slit lamp examination indicated inferior lens coloboma extending from the 5 o'clock to the 7: 30 o'clock position in the right eye, after dilation of pupil. Following a complete refractive work-up, a toric ICL implantation was the presumed suitable surgery. Three weeks postoperatively, central vaulting was low, his ICL subluxated inferiorly, and the previously implanted temporal footplates were resting over the lenticular defect inferiorly. A high-resolution ultrasound biomicroscopy confirmed the presence of a ciliary body (CB) cyst at 9 o'clock position. Urgent explantation of the unstable ICL was performed. CONCLUSIONS This case report emphasizes the challenges and limitations associated with ICL implantation in patients with lenticular colobomas and coexisting CB cyst. Selecting smaller lenticular colobomas and avoiding direct interaction between the weak zonules area and the ICL haptics are important steps to ensure the stability of implanted lens.

Evaluation of Surgical Requirements and Competencies of the Saudi Ophthalmology Training Program in a Tertiary Eye Specialist Hospital- A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose

To evaluate the adequacy of a Saudi ophthalmology training programs in achieving the competencies outlined by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and to assess resident satisfaction with their training.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was sent electronically to all trainees (n=50) enrolled in the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (KKESH) ophthalmology training program by email and messaging app (Whatsapp). The survey was sent between January 20, 2021, and January 30, 2021. It evaluated the level of satisfaction with surgical training and skills. The surgical logbooks of all trainees were extracted, and identifiers were removed. Then they were compared with SCFHS and ACGME curriculums for ophthalmology training.

Results

Out of 50 invitees, 47 returned the questionnaire. All trainees were confident they could meet surgical requirements by the end of their training. Most trainees were satisfied (n=29, 61.7%) with their performance in core competency requirements. There was no difference between female and male trainees' comfort levels when performing surgical steps in core competency requirements (P=0.2). Senior trainees seem more satisfied with their performance, especially in core competency requirements (P=0.087). All trainees practice at the wet lab and a virtual reality simulator to improve their skills. Obstacles faced during training were highlighted, including low exposure in the operating theater (n=18, 37.50%), competition on cases (n=5, 10.42%), attending surgeons not willing to teach (n=5, 10.42%), COVID-19 pandemic (n=5, 10.42%), and complex cases (n=4, 8.33%).

Conclusion

The outcomes of the current study indicate that trainees at KKESH were adequately satisfied with their surgical training in general. Also, competencies outlined by both the SCFHS and the ACGME were adequately fulfilled.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Dry Eye Disease among Adults in Saudi Arabia

Background

Environmental and epidemiological factors increase the risk of dry eye in Saudi Arabia, but most studies have limited generalizability.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) among adults across Saudi Arabia and the associated risk factors. The secondary objective was to estimate the economic burden of DED by calculating lubricant usage and its annual costs.

Methods

This cross-sectional study invited adults from across Saudi Arabia to complete a questionnaire that collected data regarding demographics, symptoms related to DED, previous diagnosis of DED, use of contact lenses, and use of eye lubricants.

Results

A total of 2042 responses were received, of which 784 (38.4%) respondents had previously been diagnosed with DED and 752 (36.8%) were symptomatic but undiagnosed. Between the DED diagnosed and symptomatic-undiagnosed groups, a significant difference was found in terms of age (P < 0.001), gender (P = 0.002), presence of diabetes mellitus (P = 0.004), smoking status (P = 0.007), duration of electronic screen use (P = 0.05), number of ocular complaints (P < 0.001), and frequency of lubricants use (P < 0.001). Between the DED-diagnosed and non-DED groups, significant differences were found in terms of age (P < 0.001), gender (P < 0.001), presence of diabetes mellitus (P = 0.001), allergy (P = 0.001), autoimmune disease (P = 0.005), smoking status (P < 0.001), and history of refractive surgery (P < 0.001). The mean estimated annual cost of using lubricating agents was SAR 328.2 ± 210.3 (USD 87.5 ± 56.1), and this was significantly higher in the diagnosed group (P = 0.01) than the symptomatic-undiagnosed group.

Conclusions

The prevalence of DED is high among adults in Saudi Arabia. High-risk population include elderly, female, and using electronic screens for >2 hours/day.

Presumed Unindicated Implantation of Posterior Chamber Phakic Intraocular Lens

BACKGROUND Refractive surgery is one of the most frequently performed ocular surgeries worldwide. Implantation of the posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens has advantages over laser vision correction, especially in high refractive error cases. We present a case of a young adult women with poor vision who underwent bilateral posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens explantation due to high vault, shallow anterior chambers, and a picture of cone-rod dystrophy. CASE REPORT A 23-year-old woman was referred for poor vision following an implantation of bilateral toric implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation when she was 18 years old for high myopic astigmatism and anisometropia. On presentation, the best corrected visual acuity was 4-6/200 and 2-3/200 in the right eye and left eye, respectively. Slit lamp examination indicated a clear cornea with pigment deposition on the endothelium, high ICL vault, shallow anterior chamber, and bowing of the iris bilaterally. The patient underwent bilateral removal of the ICLs on separate visits, yet the vision remained unchanged. Diagnostics revealed that the patient had bull's eye maculopathy with atrophy due to her cone-rod dystrophy, which caused the poor vision. CONCLUSIONS This report emphasizes the need for careful and appropriate patient and intraocular size selection for refractive surgery. It indicates the importance of thorough medical examination, including genetic testing, fundus examination, and optical coherence tomography when retinal dystrophy is suspected. Generally, close follow-up is crucial in the setting of high vaulting following ICL implantation to prevent secondary complications.

Incidence, Pathophysiology, Complications, and Management of Positive Vitreous Pressure During Penetrating Keratoplasty: A Literature Review

Positive vitreous pressure (PVP) is common during open anterior segment surgery and penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) has a reported incidence rate of 40-50%. Despite adequate perioperative preventive precautions, positive pressure occurs during surgery and optimum management of PVP is required to avoid serious complications. Many pharmacological and mechanical approaches can be employed either preoperatively or intraoperatively to decrease vitreous pressure. Surgical techniques such as graft-over-host technique, the modified graft-over-host technique, techniques employed mattress sutures and needle, or Vitreous aspiration or vitrectomy can be effectively used to manage intraoperative PVP during PPK. This article reviews the incidence, risk factors, prevention, and different approaches to the management of positive vitreous pressure during PKP to analyze the available evidence in order to improve the safety profile of PKP and prevent sight-threatening complications.

Treatment challenges associated with a superiorly located bulbar conjunctival mass—case report and review of the literature

Purpose

This report describes a recurrent case of ocular surface squamous neoplasia in a middle-aged and immunocompetent patient.

Observations

The summary of clinical presentation, workup, and medical and surgical intervention are described, followed by a brief overview of the treatment challenges associated with superiorly located conjunctival lesions.

Conclusions

In cases where topical chemotherapeutic drops cannot penetrate the lesion, the location of conjunctival lesions can sometimes pose a challenge. Hence, injections in such cases might be preferred. However, histopathology still plays a significant role in achieving a definitive diagnosis.

Quarantine-related traumatic stress, views, and experiences during the first wave of Coronavirus pandemic: A mixed-methods study among adults in Saudi Arabia

PURPOSE

Mental health is a significant problem following exposure to a traumatic event. This study aimed to examine quarantine-related experiences, traumatic stress, and coping strategies among adults quarantined in Saudi Arabia due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exposure or travel history.

METHODS

Individuals aged ≥ 18 years who were quarantined in Saudi Arabia due to COVID-19 exposure or travel history were included. We used a sequential mixed methods design, using an online survey followed by in-depth individual telephonic interviews. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) was used to measure post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms after the quarantine. To identify factors associated with significant symptoms (IES-R score ≥ 33), prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals were computed using Poisson regression with robust error variance. In the next phase, a subset of the participants (n = 26) were interviewed to elicit their quarantine-related experiences and coping responses. Major themes and subthemes were identified.

RESULTS

Of the 111 adults who completed the survey, 32 (28.8% [95% CI, 21.1-38.0%]) had significant PTSD symptoms (IES-R score ≥ 33) and 27 (24.3% [95% CI, 17.2-33.3%]) had severe symptoms (IES-R score > 37). Marital status was the only variable that was significantly associated with significant PTSD symptoms (P = 0.028). Significant symptoms were twice as prevalent in married adults than among other marital groups (PR 2.00, 95% CI, 1.08-3.72). Participants reported negative emotions such as overwhelming fear, helplessness, anxiety, and disgust. Participants utilized both problem-centered coping (e.g., use of social support) and emotion-centered coping (e.g., use of positive diversionary activities) during the quarantine period.

CONCLUSION

PTSD symptoms were present in one out of every four quarantined persons. The quarantine experience is viewed negatively. These findings highlight the need for increased awareness about stress-related disorders among quarantined individuals. Efforts are needed to detect and manage these symptoms early while making the quarantine experience more satisfying for the involved individuals and groups.

Profile of Glaucoma in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study

Background:

Glaucomas remain asymptomatic until severe, indicating that the actual number of affected individuals may be higher than those diagnosed.

Objective:

To study the clinical patterns of glaucoma cases in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Patients and Methods:

This retrospective study was conducted at King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, and Dhahran Eye Specialist Hospital, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The medical records of all patients with glaucoma who visited these hospitals from January 2015 to December 2018 were critically reviewed. Data regarding patients' demographic characteristic, clinical data and their medical and surgical management techniques were collected and analyzed.

Results:

A total of 999 patients were included, of which 52.9% were males, 94.8% were Saudi, and the mean age was 58.8 years. Bilateral involvement was observed in 82.3% of cases. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) was the most prevalent type of glaucoma (27.7%), followed by secondary glaucomas (26.7%), primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) (18.2%), primary congenital glaucoma (2.7%), and juvenile open-angle glaucoma (2.2%), which were the most frequent glaucoma subsets.

Conclusion:

The study population was most affected by POAG, secondary glaucomas and PACG. Knowledge regarding prevalence of glaucoma is important to plan services, allocate resources, and prevent blindness.

Can the Three-Dimensional Heads-Up Display Improve Ergonomics, Surgical Performance, and Ophthalmology Training Compared to Conventional Microscopy?

Purpose

To explore ophthalmic surgeons’ opinions regarding three-dimensional heads-up display (3D HUD) use and investigate musculoskeletal (MSK) complaints among ophthalmologists.

Methods

Physicians were invited to complete an online questionnaire. Musculoskeletal complaints and data of the HUD system use were correlated with demographic information. We explored surgeons’ feedback on image quality, depth perception, and the educational value of 3D microscopy.

Results

In this study, the prevalence of self-reported MSK pain was 82.6% (n=132). The pain started after joining ophthalmology practice and significantly improves on weekends and vacations. We found that the pain intensity in non-HUD users is higher than in HUD users, but this correlation was not statistically significant. Sixty-one (84.7%) of HUD system users were satisfied with depth perception, and 27 (37.5%) reported improvement in peripheral acuity. Thirty-seven (51.4%) of the participants believed they perform surgeries better through HUD; this was why most participants (83.3%) recommended its use in surgical training.

Conclusion

Heads-up display use provides more comfortable sitting positions for surgeons, superior depth perception, and serves as a better educational tool. We believe that adopting this technology may help improve career longevity and productivity.

Residents' Perceived Impact of COVID-19 on Saudi Ophthalmology Training Programs-A Survey

PURPOSE

To evaluate the impact of the current pandemic on ophthalmology residency training in Saudi Arabia, focusing on its effects on clinical education, training, and the mental well-being of the trainees.

METHODS

An online self-administered questionnaire was distributed among residents in the Saudi ophthalmology training programs between July 7 and 14, 2020. In this study, we explored residents' opinions regarding training disruption and virtual education. The patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on their mental health. We used descriptive statistics for data analysis.

RESULTS

Out of 183 registered ophthalmology residents, 142 participated in this study. Ninety-six participants (35.4%) were rotated at a specialized eye hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, while 52 (19.2%) had rotations in the ophthalmology department at general hospitals. Those who rotated in both types of hospitals were 123 (45.4%). According to the participants, there was a significant decline in exposure to surgical and office-based procedures compared to emergency eye consultations (Friedman P <0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic's effect on mental health was reported by 100 (70.5%) participants. Eighty-five (55.4%) respondents were satisfied with the virtual method of education.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted residents' clinical and surgical training in the Saudi ophthalmology training programs. Additionally, we believe that COVID-19 may have a negative impact on trainees' mental health. Fortunately, the current pandemic provided an innovative education method that will likely be used even after the pandemic.