Effect of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on ophthalmology practice in Kasr Al Ainy Hospital, Cairo University

Abstract

Purpose To discuss the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on ophthalmology practice and share our experience to ensure a continual ophthalmology service to the patients at Cairo University Hospital. Patients and methods This is a retrospective study. Administrative measures taken to address challenges in different ophthalmology care settings during this pandemic are discussed. These include infection control measures, logistics, and manpower strategies. The effect of these measures on the number of ocular surgeries performed are analyzed in comparison with the same period of the last year. The records of all patients who underwent ocular surgeries between mid-March and mid-July 2020 at Kasr Al Ainy Hospital are compared with the records of patients who had ocular surgeries in the same time frame in 2019. Results The total number of elective surgical cases in the period of COVID-19 lockdown (2020) was 392 in comparison with 2470 during the same period last year. The decrease was statistically significant (P=0.0035). Intravitreal injection for macular edema was the most common indication of elective surgeries during the lockdown. The total number of emergency cases operated in the period of COVID-19 lockdown was 733 in comparison with 959 during the same period last year. The difference was not statistically significant (P=0.40). Repair of globe rupture was the most common indication of emergency surgeries. Conclusion Our protocol was able to provide sight-saving measures needed in many patients during this outbreak. With COVID-19 is expected to continue for a long time, we need to revise our protocols to improve the service presented to the patients especially those with nonurgent conditions, while maintaining the safety of both patients and health care workers.