Retinal Disease and Retina Clinics in time of global pandemic of SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) associated first case was reported in December 2019 and spread rapidly all over the world. During this period, it is emphasized that the special requirements for any ophthalmological examination should be fulfilled. An important issue for retina clinics is the intravitreal injection application. Procrastination is possible in all intravitreal injections (anti-VEGF, steroid), and a 2-3-month delay may not be a major problem for some diagnoses. However, in some patients, the result of delayed injection may be more severe. Additionally, for procedures requiring physical proximity, such as intravitreal injections and emergency surgeries, it is important to take additional precautions for COVID-19. Another issue is the use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine during the COVID-19 outbreak. The toxic cumulative drug dose of drugs is much more than the recommended dose for COVID-19.

Keywords

• Retina,Pandemi,Coronavirus,SARS-CoV-2,COVID-19

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