Original Research
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ophthalmic surgery at a tertiary hospital in South Africa
Submitted: 16 April 2023 | Published: 19 December 2023
About the author(s)
Ismail Makda, Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South AfricaAubrey Makgotloe, Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Naseer Ally, Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted the provision of ophthalmic care.
Aim: This study aimed to quantify the pandemic on the number of ophthalmic surgeries.
Setting: The study was conducted at a South African tertiary academic hospital.
Methods: A retrospective comparative analysis of eye surgeries 1 year pre- and post- onset of the COVID-19 lockdown (27 March 2019 to 26 March 2021) was conducted. Theatre surgical records were analysed 1-year pre- and post-lockdown. All surgical procedures were recorded and subcategorised into cataract, cornea, glaucoma, oncologic, orbital, oculoplastic, strabismus, trauma, vitreoretinal, and other. Trauma surgeries in the post-pandemic year were sub-analysed based on the level alcohol restriction level.
Results: Total surgeries decreased from 3521 to 1551 (P < 0.001). Using multivariate analysis, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) for all surgeries during the pandemic was 0.47 (P < 0.001) with a significantly reduced IRR during the first wave of 0.427 (P = 0.003) and a non-significant change during wave two; IRR 1.25 (P = 0.36). All surgical subgroups decreased significantly except oncology, insignificant decrease from 211 to 180 (P = 0.12). Trauma significantly decreased during periods of total alcohol bans; IRR of 0.50 (P < 0.001). An insignificant decrease was found during periods of partial ban with an IRR of 0.83 (P = 0.06) compared with periods without alcohol restrictions.
Conclusion: Post lockdown, the total number of surgeries decreased in all subgroups except oncology. Alcohol bans significantly decreased trauma surgeries.
Contribution: This article provides valuable insight, which may inform public health policy.
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goal
Metrics
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