Abstract
Patients with primary Rhuegmatougenous Retinal detachment during COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to present late, have macula involving disease secondary and to show poor visual outcomes. Pneumatic Retinopexy (PR) is a procedure that eliminates the need for admission and limits the duration of contact with patients. Hence, more feasible during periods of shortage in hospital beds and medical personnel in the pandemic. In our experience, we successfully performed pneumatic retinopexy on two confirmed COVID-19 cases with favourable visual outcomes. We would recommend retina surgeons be familiar with such procedure as it may be a good alternative to conventional treatment while minimizing the risk of transmitting COVID-19.
Highlights
The physical distancing restrictions during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had significant socioeconomic and health impacts [1]
A 46 years old intensive care unit female nurse who was COVID-19 positive was referred to King Khalid Eye Specialist Hospital (KKESH) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the diagnosis of right eye acute Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment (RRD) for 1 day preceded by floaters and flashes in the right eye
The development of cataracts is much higher after Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) as 65% of patients required cataract surgery after one year while only 13% of patients post Pneumatic Retinopexy (PR) need intervention which can in turn reduce the burden of another procedure during the pandemic
Summary
The physical distancing restrictions during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had significant socioeconomic and health impacts [1]. To limit close contact with patients, infection control measures were taken, such as the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), encouraging the use of telemedicine for non-urgent cases, and environmental and administrative control. Surgical services were limited to urgent and emergency cases while keeping infection measures in consideration [4]. During this challenging period, exploring other quick, less used surgical options, it plays a significant role in minimizing the risk of infection and providing satisfactory outcomes.
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