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ABSTRACT: Introduction and objective
Digital evolution represents an opportunity for ophthalmology to adapt to new care models. This study aimed to find out how the pandemic has modified the clinical practice and training activities of the ophthalmologist specialised in ocular surface, as well as to analyse emerging trends and needs.Materials and methods
This study was carried out through an online survey. A committee of 3 specialists developed a questionnaire of 25 questions structured in: 1) Participant profile; 2) Impact of the pandemic on patient management and professional activities; 3) Trends and needs.Results
68 clinical ophthalmologists participated. There was a high degree of agreement (90%) that the pandemic has delayed ophthalmological follow-up visits and diagnosis. The participants agreed that the frequency of patients with dry eye disease (75%), stye/chalazion (62%) and blepharitis (60%) has increased. According to 28%, remote monitoring of pathologies such as dry eye, glaucoma, diabetes, conjunctivitis, hyposphagmas, styes, etc., will be common, especially in the young population. This will be especially relevant in chronic or mild pathologies of the ocular surface, and in the follow-up of patients after cataract and diabetic retinopathy interventions.Conclusions
During the pandemic, an increase in the incidence of certain ocular surface diseases has been perceived. The telematic follow-up of chronic or mild pathologies of the ocular surface entails the need to provide specific training for both the patient and the healthcare professional, in addition to screening and referral protocols that would optimise the flow of care.
SUBMITTER: Benitez Del Castillo JM
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9984304 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Benítez Del Castillo J M JM Alejandre Alba N N Henares I I Ferraris M P MP Águila M M
Archivos de la Sociedad Espanola de Oftalmologia 20230304 4
<h4>Introduction and objective</h4>Digital evolution represents an opportunity for ophthalmology to adapt to new care models. This study aimed to find out how the pandemic has modified the clinical practice and training activities of the ophthalmologist specialised in ocular surface, as well as to analyse emerging trends and needs.<h4>Materials and methods</h4>This study was carried out through an online survey. A committee of 3 specialists developed a questionnaire of 25 questions structured in ...[more]