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A study of ophthalmic co-morbidities in mild to moderate cases of COVID- 19 infection

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Original Article

Author Details : Sara Rizvi, Neelima Mehrotra*, Amrita Bajpai, Tripti Dewal

Volume : 8, Issue : 1, Year : 2022

Article Page : 156-162

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijceo.2022.029

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Abstract

Aims: To study the ophthalmic co-morbidities and post- COVID ophthalmic complications in mild to moderate COVID positive patients.
Materials and Methods: This was a questionnaire based prospective longitudinal study conducted between August 2020 and December 2020. In the first phase, an ophthalmologist in personal protective equipment (PPE) physically visited the patients and a pre-designed structured questionnaire regarding any ophthalmic complaints was filled and scoring was done later. In the second phase, the patients were telephonically interviewed after 3-6 months of their discharge from the hospital, regarding the development of ocular symptoms for which they needed to consult an ophthalmologist and the treatment taken was noted.
Results: 9% of the total 77 patients included in the study reported severe symptoms (scores between 17-24/24). On comparing the mean questionnaire scores (out of 24) it was seen that more severe ophthalmic complaints were seen in patients aged >= 50 years than <50> Post- COVID complications were seen in 27 patients (35%). They included progression of pre-existing ocular disease like cataract, glaucoma, diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy, and new diagnosis of diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy and HCQ- related maculopathy.
Conclusion: Ocular co-morbidities should be looked for in every COVID patient. Those at higher risk of developing complications, should undergo a detailed ophthalmic examination after they are discharged from the isolation wards. Hospitals need to work on capacity building and/or look for alternatives, like telemedicine, to ensure timely eye care to all patients.
 

Keywords: COVID, Ophthalmic, Co­morbidities, Conjunctivitis, Complications, questionnaire 2.

How to cite : Rizvi S, Mehrotra N, Bajpai A, Dewal T, A study of ophthalmic co-morbidities in mild to moderate cases of COVID- 19 infection. Indian J Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022;8(1):156-162

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