Covid 19 Pandemic (March 2020-March 2022) And Cataract Surgery Needs In Greek National Healthcare System

During the height of the covid-19 pandemic, attention was diverted away from elective surgery, as cataract operation is considered, and primary ophthalmological care’s key roles in early detection of disease and management of long- term conditions.

Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Lamia, Lamia, Greece

The number of monthly visits in the general and specialty outpatient clinics and cataract operations performed in Department of Ophthalmology in General Hospital of Lamia during the Covid 19 pandemic and retrospective medical records review of cataract patients operated at the same period. Results were compared with 2019 relevant monthly data.

Mean number of outpatient visits in 2020 was 372/month and in 2021 414/month a mean reduction of 24.2% in relation to 2019 and there was a strong (monthly) correlation with the official measures of public distancing. Cataract operations were decreased by 31.5% but 48 % of these patients were experiencing severe visual acuity loss (less than 0.1) either in both or at the operated eye only by the time of cataract operation. 21.1% of cataract patients presented with complex cataract (white, intumescent cataract or morgagnian or brunescent rock hard cataract). Both reduction in cataract operations and baseline Visual Acuity were greater during the first year of the pandemic.

unmet healthcare needs in cataract patients result in severe visual acuity loss and complex cataract operation. Consultation is necessary in these patients to avoid delays in their surgical treatment and optimize the timing of cataract surgery.