ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of the current pandemic on ophthalmology residency training in Saudi Arabia, focusing on its effects on clinical education, training, and the mental well-being of the trainees. METHODS: An online self-administered questionnaire was distributed among residents in the Saudi ophthalmology training programs between July 7 and 14, 2020. In this study, we explored residents' opinions regarding training disruption and virtual education. The patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on their mental health. We used descriptive statistics for data analysis. RESULTS: Out of 183 registered ophthalmology residents, 142 participated in this study. Ninety-six participants (35.4%) were rotated at a specialized eye hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, while 52 (19.2%) had rotations in the ophthalmology department at general hospitals. Those who rotated in both types of hospitals were 123 (45.4%). According to the participants, there was a significant decline in exposure to surgical and office-based procedures compared to emergency eye consultations (Friedman P <0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic's effect on mental health was reported by 100 (70.5%) participants. Eighty-five (55.4%) respondents were satisfied with the virtual method of education. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted residents' clinical and surgical training in the Saudi ophthalmology training programs. Additionally, we believe that COVID-19 may have a negative impact on trainees' mental health. Fortunately, the current pandemic provided an innovative education method that will likely be used even after the pandemic.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: In this report, we describe a case of episcleritis that appeared to be the first sign of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). OBSERVATIONS: A 29-year-old man with no prior medical condition presented with a complaint of redness and foreign body sensation in his left eye, which started two days before his consultation. He had no history of decreased vision, pain, photophobia, discharge, ocular surgery, or trauma. He had no symptoms in his fellow eye nor did he have any systemic symptoms. External examination of his left eye revealed a sectoral nasal conjunctival and episcleral injection and a clear cornea. There was no scleral edema. A diagnosis of episcleritis was made based on clinical grounds and topical fluorometholone 0.1%. was started. Three days later, the patient presented with headache, shortness of breath, cough, and fever (39.2 °C). Real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction test of his nasopharyngeal swab returned a positive result for COVID-19. The patient was then admitted for observation and supportive therapy. After five days, fever, respiratory and ocular symptoms were markedly improved and the patient was discharged and advised to isolate at home for 14 days. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: This is the first report that describes episcleritis as a possible presenting sign of COVID-19. Understanding the association between ocular signs/symptoms and COVID-19 can aid in the diagnosis of the viral infection and can help in limiting its transmission.