Emergency room ophthalmology practice during COVID-19 related lockdown: A cross-sectional Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT
 This report depicts the effect of COVID-19 related lockdown on emergency room ophthalmology practice in a tertiary care setup of Punjab. A cross sectional study was designed at department of Ophthalmology, Gujranwala Medical College/ Teaching Hospital from 24th March 2020 to 9th May 2020 (47 days lockdown period). All the patients who presented to eye emergency room during this period are described. The protective strategies adopted by the duty doctors are also described. Total 454 patients presented to eye emergency room, out of which 24 patients underwent emergency surgical procedure. The burden of patients presenting to eye emergency room was less than routine during lock down period. All the duty doctors used N95 (Giko1200F) particulate respirator during patient examination. Problems faced by ophthalmologists while wearing face masks were misting of spectacles, eyepieces of slit-lamp bimicroscope and condensing lenses. In perspective of keeping population indoor and avoiding unnecessary visit to hospitals the lockdown remained effective.