Purpose The goal of this study was to investigate the use of spectacles in everyday life after bilateral cataract surgery with a preoperative refractive target of emmetropia in both eyes. In addition, we analyzed the total cost of spectacles and the patientʼs visual satisfaction at least 6 months after surgery. Methods Patients after bilateral cataract surgery with implantation of an aspheric monofocal IOL (Tecnis 1, Johnson & Johnson) with a preoperative refractive target of emmetropia in both eyes and a documented refractive outcome were included in this prospective observational study. In a phone interview ≥ 6 months after surgery, the following items were assessed: type of spectacles purchased and overall cost, type of activity with and duration of spectacle wear, and satisfaction with the visual situation. Results Seventy patients were included in this study. Depending on their postoperative refraction, patients were divided into group A (n = 27) with perfect emmetropia in both eyes (i.e., spherical equivalent [SE] of ≥ − 0.25 D to ≤ + 0.25 D), group B (n = 21) with achieved emmetropia in one eye (i.e., SE of ≥ − 0.25 D to ≤ + 0.25 D) and a myopic refraction in the other eye (< − 0.25 D), and group C (n = 22) with bilateral myopic results (SE of < − 0.25 D). Overall, 84% of patients had purchased new spectacles, mostly varifocals (59%) or reading glasses (24%) at the median cost of 980 Swiss Francs (mean: CHF 912 ± 746). Despite patientsʼ initial reasoning for their lens choice to require reading glasses only, varifocal glasses were worn for more than 50% or all of awake time by 48% of patients in group A, 43% in group B, and 68% in group C. Despite their regular spectacles use, patientsʼ visual satisfaction was very high in all three groups. Conclusions Most patients who achieve perfect bilateral emmetropia after implantation of monofocal aspheric lenses buy varifocal spectacles within 6 months, and more than half of all patients use their varifocal spectacles for more than 50% of their awakening time. The costs for such spectacles are high.

Background Switzerland was strongly affected by the pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that resulted in a nationwide lockdown in March 2020. Ophthalmologists were at most risk of contracting a SARS-CoV-2 infection due to their close working distance from patients. The aim of the study is to evaluate the overall effectiveness of protective measures on the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among employees in a large public eye hospital. Material and Methods After lifting the lockdown in April 2020, standard precaution measures were taken, such as no handshaking and the use of operating face masks and a protective plastic shield on slit lamps and diagnostic devices. Only patients with no signs of SARS-CoV-2 disease were seen during the study period. Specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody titers were measured in eye clinic employees at the end of April 2020 (1st test phase) and in January 2021 (2nd test phase). The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody titers among employees with daily patient contact was compared to staff members with no patient contact. Results The SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in employees with daily patient contact, with 0% in the 1st phase and 7.4% in the 2nd phase, was not significantly higher than the prevalence in the control group with no patient contact (0.9% in the 1st phase, p = 0.4; and 8.6% in the 2nd phase, p = 0.8). Furthermore, physicians were not at a significantly higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to technicians, nurses, or office staff. Conclusions This study shows that the abovementioned precaution measurements are effective in preventing transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection in eye hospitals and enable us to resume practicing ophthalmology in a safe manner.

Background While the corona pandemic and the resulting containment measures affect the number of elective surgical procedures, the impact on emergency surgical interventions is less tangible. This analysis quantifies the frequency of emergency vitrectomies for retinal detachment and investigates underlying factors. Methods Retrospective identification of patients who underwent primary emergency vitrectomies for retinal detachment at the Cantonal Hospital of Lucerne between 01.01.2018 – 31.12.2020. Parameters were collected, including demographics, date of hospitalisation, reported onset of symptoms, pre-operative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), involvement of the macula, and canton of residence. Results Overall, a total of 665 patients with 683 eyes underwent emergency surgery for primary retinal detachment in the time span of 01.01.2018 – 31.12.2020. Median monthly number of surgeries was 20. During the first Swiss national lockdown (16.03.2020 – 19.04.2020), a minimum of 9 vitrectomies was recorded in March 2020. A maximum of 36 vitrectomies was conducted in August 2020. The mean age of patients was 61.5 years. Of the 665 patients, 133 (20.0%) were residents of the canton of Ticino. Median pre-operative BCVA was 0.25 over all three years, and no significant reduction in pre-operative BCVA was observed during or after the lockdown. The proportion of eyes with involvement of the macula was 52.2%. In 2018, this proportion (47.6%) was significantly lower than in 2019 and 2020 (Chi2 test, p < 0.001). However, cases with macular involvement in post lockdown months were not more frequent. Median time in days from reported symptom onset to hospitalisation was 5 days. In April 2020, the proportion of patients with > 14 days symptom duration was significantly higher (Chi2 test, p < 0.001). During the lockdown, there was a significant reduction in cases from Ticino. Also, patients from Ticino showed proportionally longer symptom duration after the lockdown. Conclusion A significant reduction in the number of emergency vitrectomies was observed for the initial period of the coronavirus pandemic. Delayed emergency presentation is not assumed, since there was no increase in severity (i.e. macular involvement) or prolonged symptoms in the months following the lockdown. More protracted symptoms were only observed in patients from Ticino. The initial low numbers were generally made good later in the year.

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