Abstract
PurposeTo assess the influence of the SARS-CoV-2 lockdown in spring on frequency, severity and quality of care of rhegmatogeneous retinal detachments (RRD) in a tertiary referral center in Vienna, Austria.MethodsSingle center, consecutive case series with historical controls. Patients presenting with primary RRD during the first Austrian SARS-CoV-2 lockdown (March 16th–May 3rd 2020) and a corresponding control group consisting of the same time period of the preceding 3 years.ResultsThe mean number of patients with RD in the reference group (RG) was 22 (± 1) and in the lockdown group (LG) 15. Median total delay, defined as onset of symptoms until surgery, in the RG was 5 (lower quartile: 3.0; upper quartile: 8.0) compared to 7 (3.0; 12.0) days in the LG, (p = 0.740). During the lockdown 67% of patients were referred from an external ophthalmologist compared to 52% in the RG, (p = 0.395). 34% of patients in the RG presented with an attached macula compared to 33% in the LG (p = 0.597). PVR was present in 49% of cases in the RG compared to 73% in the LG. Single surgery success (SSS) rates were lower in the LG (73.3%) compared to the RG (85.3%), (p = 0.275).ConclusionPatients with RRD during the SARS-CoV-2 lockdown presented and were treated within acceptable time limits, showed the same macula-on ratios but a higher PVR rate and a tendency towards worse SSS rates compared to the time period of the preceding 3 years.
Highlights
At the end of the year 2019 a new disease appeared in the Chinese city of Wuhan, in the province of Hubai
During the lockdown 67% of patients were referred from an external ophthalmologist compared to 52% in the reference group (RG), (p = 0.395). 34% of patients in the RG presented with an attached macula compared to 33% in the lockdown group (LG) (p = 0.597)
proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) was present in 49% of cases in the RG compared to 73% in the LG
Summary
At the end of the year 2019 a new disease appeared in the Chinese city of Wuhan, in the province of Hubai. It was quickly known as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the newly discovered virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [1]. To mitigate transmission of the virus the Austrian government ordered social distancing, closure of restaurants, sport facilities, shops and malls by March 15th 2020. Access restrictions especially for outpatients in hospitals were established, eligible surgeries were postponed, and only emergencies treated
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