ePoster listing and sessions

Topic: ESOPRS 2021 ePoster sessions
Time: Sep 17, 2021 16:00 Amsterdam, Berlin, Rome, Stockholm, Vienna, 15:00 London

 

 

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Changes of Lacrimal Practices amid COVID-19: Results of a Global Survey

Author: Chun Wah Matthew Lam
ePoster Number: 260


Purpose

To conduct an ad-hoc survey to assess the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on lacrimal practices and to investigate current modes of practice as a guide to gradual resumption of lacrimal surgeries amid the ongoing pandemic.


Methods

An electronic survey including questions on clinical and surgical practice with regards to adult nasolacrimal duct obstruction was constructed and dispatched to oculoplastic surgeons worldwide. Questions focused on the change in practice patterns before and after the appearance of COVID-19 and aimed to find out the current practice amid the pandemic.


Results

More respondents are currently putting on N95 masks and face shields during lacrimal irrigation compared with pre-COVID-19 (p<0.01). Fewer people are wearing surgical masks and more are using N95 masks and face shield during lacrimal surgery (p<0.05). 89.3% are performing preoperative viral testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2), 81.3% of which would choose nasal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.


Conclusion

On the whole, lacrimal surgeons have gone back to similar practice to pre-pandemic, but with preoperative viral testing and increased use of protective equipment. As epiphora can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients, lacrimal surgeons should implement steps to gradually resume lacrimal services amid the ongoing pandemic.


Additional Authors

First nameLast nameBase Hospital / Institution
TessaFayerSt Mary’s Hospital, Western Eye Hospital
Hunter Kwok-laiYuenHong Kong Eye Hospital
Reynaldo M.JavateUniversity of Santo Tomas Hospital
Jane M.OlverClinica London

Abstract ID: 21-160