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Drop in well-being of ARMD patients under treatment with anti-VEGF injections during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mylona, Ioanna; Papadopoulou, Kalliopi; Roumelis, Serafeim; Floros, Georgios D.
  • Mylona I; Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Katerini, Katerini, Greece. milona_ioanna@windowslive.com.
  • Papadopoulou K; Department of Ophthalmology, 'Hippokration' General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
  • Roumelis S; Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Serres, Serres, Greece.
  • Floros GD; 2nd Department of Psychiatry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Int Ophthalmol ; 42(8): 2493-2499, 2022 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1959037
ABSTRACT

PURPOSE:

Patients with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) are required to follow a treatment protocol that requires regular follow-ups. The COVID-19 pandemic has created an additional burden for patients with ARMD under treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections, since patients face a congestion of the health system and closing of the outpatient services. This study examines the impact of the uncertainty regarding patients' treatment on their sense of well-being.

METHODS:

This is a longitudinal cohort study of eighty patients who were followed during the year following the outbreak of the COVID pandemic. Patients reported their sense of well-being with the WHO-5 questionnaire and their perception and fears for the impact of the pandemic on their ongoing ARMD treatment.

RESULTS:

There was a significant drop in mental well-being during the pandemic that paralleled the self-reported impact of the pandemic on ARMD treatment. Patients who reported a higher impact of COVID-19 on their treatment had experienced a higher drop in mental wellbeing compared to those who hadn't, with female gender being an additional risk factor. Objective measurements of visual acuity did not factor in the drop of sense of well-being.

CONCLUSIONS:

The high initial level of uncertainty regarding ARMD patients' long-term course was further exacerbated when exposed to additional uncertainties during the pandemic regarding their standard of care. Planning ahead for continuation of services and close contact with patients during similar health emergencies is of paramount importance.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: COVID-19 / Macular Degeneration Type of study: Cohort study / Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Female / Humans Language: English Journal: Int Ophthalmol Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S10792-022-02296-4

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: COVID-19 / Macular Degeneration Type of study: Cohort study / Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Female / Humans Language: English Journal: Int Ophthalmol Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S10792-022-02296-4