ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the changes in clinical practice patterns among retina specialists in the Philippines in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a multi-center cross-sectional study based on a self-reported online survey. An online questionnaire was distributed among practicing retina specialists in the Philippines as listed in the database of the Vitreo-Retina Society of the Philippines using a combination of convenience and snowball sampling. The questionnaire contained questions regarding changes in clinic set-up, laser procedures, intravitreal injections, vitreoretinal surgery, and long-term outlooks. RESULTS: A total of 48 responses were recorded and analyzed with a view rate of 41.7%. There was a decrease in the number of clinic consults, laser procedures, intravitreal injections, and vitreoretinal procedures with most reporting only 1-25% of their usual patient load. Several modifications in clinic protocols have been made, including use of personal protective equipment, adjustments in clinic hours, and scheduling of only urgent cases. The adjustments implemented during the pandemic are expected by most respondents to be long-term changes. CONCLUSION: Retina specialists in the Philippines have implemented changes in their practices to combat COVID-19, following guidelines issued by the local and international governing bodies on health.
ABSTRACT
Tractional retinal detachment is an uncommon complication of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injection wherein the drug triggers tractional retinal detachment as a result of fibrovascular membrane contraction. We present a case of a 42-year-old hypertensive woman diagnosed with chronic central retinal vein occlusion on both eyes. The right eye had total retinal detachment and neovascular glaucoma, while the left eye had retinal neovascularisation. Panretinal photocoagulation and intravitreal anti-VEGF injection was started on the left eye. However, she was lost to follow-up. She returned 4 months later with extensive tractional retinal detachment involving the macula on the left eye. She subsequently underwent vitrectomy with endolaser and silicone oil tamponade on the left eye. The anti-VEGF 'crunch' results from regression of fibrovascular proliferation with a concurrent increase in fibrosis, resulting in worsening retinal traction. With the widespread use of anti-VEGF agents, ophthalmologists need to be aware of this vision-threatening complication.