TNOA Journal of Ophthalmic Science and Research (Jan 2022)
Corona warriors-front-line workers with varied ophthalmic presentations during the lockdown in COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care center in South India
Abstract
Aims and Objective: To analyze the various ophthalmic presentations among the Corona warriors-front line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted at a medical college hospital in the ophthalmology department. All the front-line workers including doctors, postgraduates, interns, staff nurses, Hospital staff, health-care workers (HCWs), Police personal were involved in the study after obtaining informed consent. Twenty-five front-line workers were examined after taking necessary safety precautions. A thorough history was taken regarding ocular symptoms. Best-corrected visual acuity was recorded using Snellen's visual acuity chart. Anterior segment evaluation was done using a slit-lamp examination, fundoscopy done. Medical management was done in 23 patients, and emergency surgeries were performed in two patients who required surgical management. Results: Among 25 front line workers mean age was 34.5 years, males were 15, females were 10. There were 20 HCWs among whom 8 were doctors, 2 postgraduates, 4 interns, 6 nurses. The other 3 were accredited social health activist worker, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike workers, hospital cook, and 2 police personal. Twenty-one workers had varied ocular manifestations which were managed medically. Two workers had retinal pathology and underwent retinal barrage laser. Two policemen had road traffic accidents and underwent emergency surgery. Conclusion: Corona warriors-front line workers are leading the battle against COVID-19 from the front, putting their own lives at risk with selfless determination for the sake of saving lives, they truly are our heroes in these challenging times. During this tough phase, they were working relentlessly and faced spectrum of the ophthalmic issue. It is, therefore important to monitor these front-line workers for any eye problems and ensure that timely treatment is given. Hence their safety is our responsibility. This is a tribute to all the front-line workers working tirelessly during the uncertain pandemic.
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