Covid-19-Pandemie: Empfehlungen zur Infektionsprävention in Optometriepraxen

Abstract

Purpose. The recommendations justify infection control measures to minimize SARS-CoV-2 transmission in optometry practices. Material and Methods. During January 2020 to September 2022, a literature search on infection control of COVID-19 was conducted in NCBI PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane COVID-19 study register, WHO COVID-19 Global Literature on Coronavirus linked to the keywords SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 with the following links: Transmission, tenacity, risk assessment, screening, protective measures, vaccination, virucidal disinfection, virucidal antisepsis and post-exposure prophylaxis. Results. While the primary vector of transmission of SARS- CoV-2 is the inhalation of virus particles via the oro-naso- pharyngeal path, ocular means of transmission also have to be considered. Especially hand to eye contacts present a danger. Vaccination proves to be effective for decreasing difficult disease progressions and transmission. Surgical masks are effective tools for slowing the spread of SARS-CoV-2, especially when considered as “source-control” when worn by potentially infectious persons. Hand antiseptics, mucous membrane antiseptics and surface disinfectants declared as “limited virucidal” are effective against SARS-CoV-2. Since viral particles remain potentially infectious for up to several days, proper surface disinfection is crucial. Conclusion. Infection control concepts in optometry practic- es have to incorporate interruption of all transmission path- ways of SARS-CoV-2 in this professional field. Professionals and patients should wear surgical masks. Staff should wear masks with a higher protective standard (for example CN95/ FFP2) when treating patients with symptoms of respiratory infections. Personnel should be vaccinated and trained in hand antisepsis. The indications for surface disinfection of critical surfaces and equipment must be maintained. Any staff showing signs of respiratory infections is to be tested immediately; contacts to COVID-19 positive persons have to be tested for 5 d daily. After contact with possibly or definitely infectious person virucidal gargling and virucidal nose spray may prove beneficial. Keywords SARS-CoV-2, tenacity, anamnestic risk assessment, infection control, personal protective equipment, disinfection, antisepsis, screening, post-exposure prophylaxis