Management of Acute Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Related Complications During the First COVID-19 Wave

Abstract

Background. Routine hospital eye services (HES) and diabetic retinal screening were paused during COVID lockdown in March 2020. Alternate pathways for managing acute ophthalmic pathology were devised in NHS Grampian: Emergency eye treatment centres (EETC) manned by community optometrists were set up to treat and triage referrals to HES. Methods. Retrospective study analysing patients referred to HES with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) related complications between March and August 2020. Results. 52 eyes of 46 patients with PDR related complications were identified. HES appointment had been delayed or cancelled in 43% due to COVID. Mean age was 54.5 years (± 15.1), 46% were female, 46% had type 1 diabetes; mean HbA1c was 78 mmol/l (± 18.7). Vision ranged from 6/6 to perception of light. 36 patients had unilateral vitreous haemorrhage (VH), 6 bilateral, 2 tractional retinal detachments and 3 had neovascular glaucoma. Following assessment, 23 eyes received anti-VEGF injection within 3 days, two had PRP on the same day, 16 were rebooked for urgent PRP, 13 referred for urgent surgical review and 17 advised observation. After a mean follow-up of 6 months, 12 eyes (23%) of 11 patients progressed to have vitrectomy. Conclusion. Despite lockdown, hospital appointment cancellations and recommended footfall reduction limiting capacity due to COVID19, patients reaching out with PDR complications were promptly referred to HES and appropriate treatments carried out with COVID precautions as recommended.