Changes to ophthalmic clinical care during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

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TitleChanges to ophthalmic clinical care during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2021
AuthorsSundararajan M, Schallhorn JM, Doan T, Seitzman GD
JournalCurr Opin Ophthalmol
Date Published2021 Aug 26
ISSN1531-7021
Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Given the impact that society as a whole, and medicine specifically, has experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, an examination of clinical care changes enacted in the field of ophthalmology is of interest to the specialty.

RECENT FINDINGS: In order to adapt to the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, measures, such as broadening telehealth capabilities, adopting universal masking, careful sanitation procedures, applying virtual teaching in academic environments, and deferring elective surgeries were put in place. These were aimed at reducing person-to-person spread of SARS-CoV-2. Though best efforts were made at triaging ophthalmic emergencies during these times, unfortunate delays in care were observed in some circumstances. Finally, a prospective study interrogating the risk of spread at slit lamp distances for short periods of time was encouraging, suggesting low risk of transmissibility, though limited by a small case-positive sample size.

SUMMARY: Significant changes have been made in the design and delivery of ophthalmic care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of these, such as telemedicine, may provide value in a postpandemic world.

DOI10.1097/ICU.0000000000000797
Alternate JournalCurr Opin Ophthalmol
PubMed ID34456291