The Role of Infection Control Measures in Ophthalmology: Do They Prevent COVID-19 Infection Among Ophthalmologists in Egypt? A Survey-Based Study.

INTRODUCTION: Ophthalmologists are at a high risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection owing to their working environments and proximity to patients during examinations. Compliance with infection control measures in examination offices can lessen the risk of infection to this group. In Egypt, several deaths from COVID-19 have been reported among ophthalmologists; therefore, we studied the prevalence of COVID-19 infections in this group and assessed ophthalmologists' commitments to recommended infection control measures. AIM: To evaluate the rate of COVID-19 infections among ophthalmologists, identify risk factors for infections, and evaluate ophthalmologists' commitments to infection control measures in their medical facilities. METHODS: An online questionnaire was designed and distributed to ophthalmologists in the Cairo Governorate from May 1, 2021 to mid-June 2021. RESULTS: Out of 161 responders, the percentage of COVID-19 infections was 52.8% (85 responders). This was significantly higher among younger ophthalmologists (P-value = 0.019) and those with fewer years of experience (P-value = 0.010). Adopting full precautions while examining patients with or without respiratory illness were significantly associated with a lower infection rate (P-value = 0.019 and 0.046, respectively). A significantly higher infection rate was reported for ophthalmologists who examined known COVID-19 patients at outpatient clinics, even when taking precautions (P-value = 0.032). A lower rate of COVID-19 infection was significantly associated with adopting full precautions while operating on suspected or nonsuspected COVID-19 patients (P-value = 0.007 and 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION: Both young age and limited experience were significant infection risk factors in our study. The most important infection control measures that significantly decreased infection risks were adherence to full protective measures while working in outpatient clinics and operating rooms.

Fluorescein Angiographic Findings in Patients with Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the retina of patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), irrespective of their visual acuity or fundus examination. METHODS: A descriptive study was performed on 30 patients with active SLE; disease activity was calculated using The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Fundus examination and FFA angiography were done to all patients. RESULTS: A total of 60 eyes of 30 patients were included. Their mean age was 32.6 ± 1.17 years. All patients showed disease activity at time of examination according to SLEDAI. Retinopathy was detected by FAF in 24 eyes (40%), 10 eyes of which had normal fundus examination. SLEDAI was positively correlated to the presence of retinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: All patients with ocular lupus should be carefully evaluated for systemic involvement and, vice versa, all patients diagnosed with SLE should have a thorough ocular examination and FFA, even if they had normal fundus.