The quarantine for the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic it brought despair, uncertainty, fear and ignorance in a large part of our population. In the case of ophthalmology, one of the specialties with the highest risk of contagion for the doctor himself, everything was rearranged to provide the greatest protection for both the doctor and the patient, the health personnel and the administrative staff.
To be aware of this important topic and how to best deal with it, the doctor María Angélica Moussalli (MN 80,561 and member of the Ophthalmology Service of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires) maintained that “as for the specialty that concerns me, we see that many glaucoma patients who regularly controlled their eye pressure were unable to do so, And there became the concern, the uncertainty and the need to create telemedicine networks to accompany patients. “
Notably glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. It is characterized by the progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells and axons. The most important risk factor is the elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), which directly damages neurons and the optic nerve. It is important monitor glaucoma status and readjust IOP, even if IOP levels are within acceptable limits.
“Normally, glaucoma is controlled by periodically evaluating not only eye pressure, but also the field of view using standard automated perimetry and structural changes in the optic nerve head or retinal nerve fiber layer over time. For that, confocal laser ophthalmoscope or optical coherence tomography is used “, added the health professional in relation to the controls carried out.
Recommendations:
In these times that we go through, the recommendations are not to stop applying the drops as always, previously washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, and do not rub your eyes. Also, an important item to keep in mind is that avoid that the tip of the dropper makes direct contact with the eye and with other surfaces to avoid contamination. If the brand drops that are always used on time are not replaced, they can be supplied by generics until the ones that are always used are obtained.
As much as possible, if there is no immediate risk, you can wait to take the pressure by contacting the primary care ophthalmologist through video calls, teleconsultations or by phone or other possible means of communication.
It should be noted that routine control studies will be prioritized according to real need to avoid unnecessary circulation.
On the other hand, it is worth noting that coronavirus can cause conjunctivitisTherefore, you should avoid touching your eye and it is important to know that the virus can spread by touching liquid from an infected person’s eyes or from objects that carry the liquid.
“In summary, routine eye care can be delayed during the pandemic, except as urgent, limiting doctor-patient contact is key to helping reduce the spread of the coronavirus, using telemedicine to offer “virtual” visits; by phone or video chat through a computer. You can live with the Covid-19 and not fail. Start again, without haste, without pause, with resilience, with faith, with optimism, it is always possible “, He finished clarifying the ophthalmologist.
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