The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric acute conjunctivitis disease trends.

The COVID-19 pandemic notably influenced the transmission of infectious diseases across various age groups. In this study, we assessed its impact on pediatric acute conjunctivitis trends in southern Israel. We analyzed acute conjunctivitis diagnoses from 2017 to 2022, categorizing them into pre-lockdown, lockdown, and post-lockdown intervals. A control group of non-infectious dermatologic conditions was included. Time-series analysis, adjusted for seasonality, was employed. Pre-lockdown data indicated steady conjunctivitis diagnoses, primarily in winter. Post-lockdown interval exhibited an added summer peak before the regular winter surge. The lockdown saw a 56% decline in diagnoses, most pronounced in younger ages. Post-lockdown observed a 7% overall drop with age-specific variations. The acute conjunctivitis IRR was 0.44 (95% CI 0.39-0.49) during lockdowns and 0.93 (95% CI 0.86-1.02) post-lockdowns. Control group IRRs were 0.84 (95% CI 0.78-0.89) and 0.90 (95% CI 0.84-0.96), respectively, with the 0-5 age range demonstrating significant disparities. Pediatric acute conjunctivitis in southern Israel decreased significantly during the pandemic. Post-lockdown patterns varied by age group. An unusual summer peak in cases was observed post-lockdown; this peak may be influenced by a combination of altered behaviors in the summer and possibly increased susceptibility to infection.

Are Periocular and Systemic Allergy Conditions Risk Factors for Pterygium?

PURPOSE: To evaluate risk factors for pterygium and prevalence of periocular and systemic diseases among patients with pterygium. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted among members of Clalit Health Services (CHS) in Israel, from 2001 to 2022. A total of 13,944 patients diagnosed with pterygium were included. For each case, three controls were matched among all CHS patients according to year of birth, sex, and ethnicity. Mixed models were used to assess differences in demographic characteristics, ocular and systemic diseases between the groups. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and adjust for confounders. RESULTS: The average age of pterygium patients was 49 ± 17 years; 51% were male. The results showed significant associations between pterygium and risk factors of vernal kerato-conjunctivitis (OR 2.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.96-3.24]), chronic allergic conjunctivitis (OR 1.98, 95% CI: [1.65-2.39]), blepharitis (OR 1.91, 95% CI: [1.78-2.04]), chalazion (OR 1.47, 95% CI: [1.30-1.67]) and unspecified systemic allergy (OR 1.21, 95% CI [1.09-1.34]), after adjusting for rural residency status. Glaucoma (OR 0.74, 95% CI [0.64-0.85]) and smoking (OR 0.70, 95% CI [0.66-0.75]) were protective factors against pterygium. CONCLUSION: Systemic and periocular inflammatory and allergic diseases are risk factors for pterygium.

Ocular injuries associated with two-wheeled electric transportation devices and motorcycle accidents.

Electric bicycles and scooters have gained popularity among riders; studies assessing these device-related injuries have not specified ocular trauma. Our study examined the types and risk factors for ocular and periocular injuries associated with electric devices compared to motorcycle accidents. The study was conducted on the National Trauma Registry database from 20 trauma centers, including patients involved in accidents with electric bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles between 2014 to 2019. Injured riders were assigned into two groups: motorcycle group (M) and electric bicycle & scooter group (E). Data such as gender, age, protective gear use, ocular injury type, injury severity score (ISS), and ocular surgery were captured. Logistic regression models were conducted for injury types and the need for surgery. 8181 M-riders and 3817 E-riders were involved in an accident and hospitalized. E-riders suffered from ocular injury more than M-riders. Males were most vulnerable and the ages of 15-29. Orbital floor fracture was the most common injury, followed by ocular contusion, eyelid laceration, and other ocular wounds. Electric bicycle and scooter riders are more likely to suffer from ocular injury than motorcycle riders. Riders without helmets are at greater risk for injuries, specifically orbital floor fractures. ISS of 16 + was associated with injury demanding ocular surgery.