학술논문
The impact on ocular trauma surgery during Covid-19 lockdown: a retrospective audit from a tertiary South African hospital
Original study: Ocular trauma surgery during lockdown
Original study: Ocular trauma surgery during lockdown
Document Type
Academic Journal
Author
Source
South African Ophthalmology Journal. May 2022, Vol. 17 Issue 2, p15, 6 p.
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
2218-8304
Abstract
Introduction Trauma is a major cause of visual impairment; around 55 million cases of ocular trauma occur annually, and approximately 19 million people live with vision loss as a result [...]
Background: Ocular trauma is an important cause of preventable visual morbidity, and intentional injury (assault) is a leading contributing factor. This study is an audit of the impact of the lockdowns and alcohol bans on surgically significant eye trauma in our community. Methods: This was a retrospective, hospital-based analysis. Theatre records were examined for all cases of ocular trauma surgery performed between 1 January 2017 and 30 April 2021. 'Pre-lockdown' cases (1 January 2017 to 31 March 2020) were compared with 'lockdown' cases (1 April 2020 to 31 April 2021). A cost analysis during the two periods was performed by the finance department of the hospital. Results: A total of 734 cases of trauma surgery were included: 607 pre-lockdown and 127 during lockdown. There was a significant reduction (p = 0.001) in ocular trauma surgery performed during the lockdown period from 15.35 ([+ or -] 5.59) to 9.62 ([+ or -] 0.98) cases per month. There was no significant change in the amount of trauma in the age group 0-19 years (p = 1.000), fewer injuries in the 20-49 year-old group from 11.33 ([+ or -] 0.22) to 6.46 ([+ or -] 0.77) cases/month (p < 0.0001), and no change in gender distribution. Conclusion: Lockdowns and alcohol bans reduced the burden of ocular trauma surgery in adults. There is evidence of a decrease in violent, intentional trauma in our community, with a consequent reduction in blindness and visual morbidity, and an estimated cost saving to the Department of Health of approximately ZAR1.72 million per year. Keywords: alcohol, trauma, lockdown, eye, surgery Funding: No funding was received for this study. Conflict of interest: The author has no conflict of interest to declare with respect to this study.
Background: Ocular trauma is an important cause of preventable visual morbidity, and intentional injury (assault) is a leading contributing factor. This study is an audit of the impact of the lockdowns and alcohol bans on surgically significant eye trauma in our community. Methods: This was a retrospective, hospital-based analysis. Theatre records were examined for all cases of ocular trauma surgery performed between 1 January 2017 and 30 April 2021. 'Pre-lockdown' cases (1 January 2017 to 31 March 2020) were compared with 'lockdown' cases (1 April 2020 to 31 April 2021). A cost analysis during the two periods was performed by the finance department of the hospital. Results: A total of 734 cases of trauma surgery were included: 607 pre-lockdown and 127 during lockdown. There was a significant reduction (p = 0.001) in ocular trauma surgery performed during the lockdown period from 15.35 ([+ or -] 5.59) to 9.62 ([+ or -] 0.98) cases per month. There was no significant change in the amount of trauma in the age group 0-19 years (p = 1.000), fewer injuries in the 20-49 year-old group from 11.33 ([+ or -] 0.22) to 6.46 ([+ or -] 0.77) cases/month (p < 0.0001), and no change in gender distribution. Conclusion: Lockdowns and alcohol bans reduced the burden of ocular trauma surgery in adults. There is evidence of a decrease in violent, intentional trauma in our community, with a consequent reduction in blindness and visual morbidity, and an estimated cost saving to the Department of Health of approximately ZAR1.72 million per year. Keywords: alcohol, trauma, lockdown, eye, surgery Funding: No funding was received for this study. Conflict of interest: The author has no conflict of interest to declare with respect to this study.