Facing COVID-19 in Ophthalmology Department

Curr Eye Res. 2020 Jun;45(6):653-658. doi: 10.1080/02713683.2020.1752737. Epub 2020 Apr 23.

Abstract

Purpose: To provide useful guidelines, targeted at ophthalmology professionals, to minimize COVID-19 infection of both health-care workers and patients.Methods: In this review we present updated literature merged with our experience from hospitals in Bergamo, the epicenter of the COVID-19 European outbreak.Results: Non-pharmaceutical interventions, hygienic recommendations and personal protective equipment to contain viral spread as well as a suggested risk assessment for postponement of non-urgent cases should be applied in ophthalmologist activity. A triage for ophthalmic outpatient clinic is mandatory.Conclusion: Ophthalmology practice should be reorganized in order to face COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; Coronavirus disease 2019; NPI; guidelines; ophthalmology; transmission.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections* / prevention & control
  • Coronavirus Infections* / transmission
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / prevention & control*
  • Ophthalmology*
  • Pandemics* / prevention & control
  • Personal Protective Equipment*
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / epidemiology
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / prevention & control
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / transmission
  • SARS-CoV-2