Rethinking Elective Cataract Surgery Diagnostics, Assessments, and Tools after the COVID-19 Pandemic Experience and Beyond: Insights from the EUROCOVCAT Group.

Daniele Tognetto,Alex L Vinciguerra,Ozlem Evren Kemer,Rosa Giglio,Boris E Malyugin,Isabel Prieto,Riikka Törnblom,Antoine P Brézin,Arthur B Cummings,Chiara De Giacinto,Robert Rejdak,Mario D Toro,Miguel A Teus

doi:10.3390/diagnostics10121035

Abstract

The progressive deterioration of the visual function in patients on waiting lists for cataract surgery has a negative impact on their quality of life, especially in the elderly population. Patient waiting times for cataract surgeries in many healthcare settings have increased recently due to the prolonged stop or slowdown of elective cataract surgery as a result of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). The aim of this review is to highlight the impact of such a “de-prioritization” of cataract surgery and to summarize some critical issues and useful hints on how to reorganize cataract pathways, with a special focus on perioperative diagnostic tools during the recovery phase and beyond. The experiences of a group of surgeons originating from nine different countries, named the European COVID-19 Cataract Group (EUROCOVCAT), have been combined with the literature and recommendations from scientific ophthalmic societies and healthcare institutions. Key considerations for elective cataract surgery should include the reduction of the number of unnecessary visits and examinations, adoption of precautionary measures, and implementation of telemedicine instruments. New strategies should be adopted to provide an adequate level of assistance and to guarantee safety conditions. Flexibility will be the watchword and regular updates would be necessary following scientific insights and the development of the pandemic.

Highlights

The most prevalent ophthalmic diseases in economically developed countries are those of the ageing eye
The remaining 173 full text articles were assessed for eligibility
Vision loss has a significant impact on individuals and society in terms of morbidity, quality of life, and costs [139]

Summary

Introduction

The most prevalent ophthalmic diseases in economically developed countries are those of the ageing eye (glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and cataract). Cataract surgery has been shown to improve the cognitive input in Alzheimer disease and in other forms of dementia referred to as “depressive pseudodementia”, a functional disturbance associated with a depressive mental status [2,3,4]. Ishii et al reported a significant improvement in vision-related quality of life, cognitive function, and depressive mental status in elderly patients before and after bilateral cataract surgery [5]. A National Bureau of Economic Research study found cataract surgery to be one of the main treatments, together with cardiac care, contributing to an increase of 1.8 years in healthy life expectancy at the age of 65 years [2]. The authors reported lower odds in those who had cataract surgery compared to those who had not undergone the surgery [6]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion