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International Ophthalmology

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01-12-2024 | Glaucoma | Original Paper

Glaucoma progression due to refraining examination amid the pandemic of COVID-19

Authors: Kenji Inoue, Minako Shiokawa, Shiho Kunimatsu-Sanuki, Kyoko Ishida, Goji Tomita

Published in: International Ophthalmology | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Purpose

Some patients refrained from seeking an ophthalmologist due to the anxiety and morbidity associated with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. We investigated progressive visual field defects in patients with glaucoma who refrained from ophthalmological examinations.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. We analyzed data from 886 patients with glaucoma who visited Inouye Eye Hospital in June 2022 and were followed-up prior to January 2020. We examined the number of times patients canceled visits between January 2020 and May 2022 due to coronavirus concerns. We assessed the mean deviation (MD) values of the Humphrey Visual Field Assessment (HFA) program 30-2 SITA Standard values after visit interruptions for worsening beyond the MD values predicted by the MD slope. Factors influencing this difference were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.

Results

The study included 374 men and 512 women. The mean age was 68.7 ± 12.0 years. Visit interruptions occurred in 146 patients (16.5%), with 95 (65.1%) rescheduling once, 27 (18.5%) twice, and 24 (16.4%) three or more times. Among 90 patients who underwent HFA regularly, 50 (55.6%) experienced worse-than-expected MD values and 12 (13.3%) deteriorated by 2 dB or more. Longer interruptions and high intraocular pressure before interruption worsened the MD values by 2 dB or more.

Conclusion

Patients with glaucoma with visit interruptions due to the pandemic should be monitored for the progression of visual field impairment.

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Title: Glaucoma progression due to refraining examination amid the pandemic of COVID-19
Authors: Kenji Inoue
Minako Shiokawa
Shiho Kunimatsu-Sanuki
Kyoko Ishida
Goji Tomita
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Keywords: Glaucoma
COVID-19
Published in: International Ophthalmology / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 0165-5701
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2630
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-024-03151-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Glaucoma progression due to refraining examination amid the pandemic of COVID-19

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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