Glaucoma Characteristics and Influencing Factors during the COVID‐19 Pandemic in the Huizhou Region

Abstract

Objective. Glaucoma in individuals who tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the pandemic outbreak has not been comprehensively studied. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the characteristics and risk factors of glaucoma during the COVID-19 pandemic in Huizhou. Methods. Retrospective data from outpatients with glaucoma at the Huizhou Hospital Affiliated with Guangzhou Medical University and Longmen County People’s Hospital were collected during two periods: the COVID-19 pandemic period (Phase A: December 1, 2022, to January 19, 2023) and the prevention and control period (Phase B: December 1, 2021, to January 19, 2022). The demographic characteristics of the outpatients during both phases were compared. The characteristics of glaucoma in patients with COVID-19 during Phase A were examined. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing the development of acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG) in Phase A patients. Results. The proportion of patients with glaucoma was significantly higher during Phase A than during Phase B at both hospitals. No statistically significant differences were observed between patients with glaucoma during Phases A and B for age, sex, and region. A high COVID-19-positive rate was associated with old age, females, AACG, newly diagnosed glaucoma, and binocular involvement during phase A. Females testing positive for COVID-19, glaucoma that started after testing positive for COVID-19, and a history of medication use were associated with a higher proportion of AACG in phase A. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified testing positive for COVID-19 as an independent potential risk factor for developing AACG. Conclusion. In summary, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Huizhou, patients with COVID-19 were primarily affected by AACG, especially females, older individuals, and those with binocular involvement. Testing positive for COVID-19 increases the risk of developing AACG.

Changes in the spectrum of ocular disease during the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2022 in the Hubei Province

“…37 A retrospective study examining the morbidity characteristics and risk factors for glaucoma in Huizhou City, China, during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealed that although the overall number of ophthalmic clinic visits decreased during the pandemic period, the proportion of AACG cases increased considerably, indicating that testing positive for COVID-19 increased the risk of developing AACG. 7 This observation is consistent with our ndings and suggests the contribution of the COVID-19 pandemic to the increase in AACG occurrence.…”

“…2 From 2020 to now, numerous clinical studies and guidelines have reported that the novel coronavirus can lead to eye diseases. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Since 2019, the virus has constantly mutated, from Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Gamma to the more recent Omicron variant with decreased pathogenicity and virulence, which has resulted in reduced clinical disease severity. 10,11 Researchers from China are optimistic about the virus prevention and control, as the proportion of severe and critical COVID-19 cases among all con rmed cases in China has dropped signi cantly from 16.47% in 2020 to 0.18% by December 5, 2022.…”