ABSTRACT
Certain pediatric ophthalmology procedures require time-sensitive surgical care to prevent long-term morbidity and mortality. In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become increasingly important for anesthesia and surgical care providers to protect themselves during medically necessary procedures requiring general anesthesia care. In this study, an intubating viewing system with plexiglass shield and drape was designed. The viewing system allowed effective and safe intubation of pediatric patients for ophthalmological surgery while minimizing the risk of disseminating aerosolized droplets. The authors concluded that this viewing system and modified intubation technique may reduce the risk of transmitting SARSCoV-2 and other highly transmissible pathogens to operating room personnel. The continued study of measures to protect operating room personnel is encouraged to provide more evidence-based recommendations. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020;51:651-652.].
Subject(s)
Anesthesia, General/methods , COVID-19/epidemiology , Disease Transmission, Infectious/prevention & control , Eye Diseases/surgery , Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures/standards , Personal Protective Equipment , SARS-CoV-2 , Child , Comorbidity , Eye Diseases/epidemiology , Humans , PandemicsABSTRACT
As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, India is recording a very high number of new cases daily; even as the country prepares to gradually "unlock", after months of lockdown. While elective eye surgeries such as uncomplicated cataract surgeries, blepharoplasty and eyelid procedures and refractive surgeries can be planned at a later date; emergency cases pertaining to ocular trauma cannot be deferred. This manuscript gives a brief overview of the general guidelines for the management of ocular trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic.