Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ophthalmic surgery at a tertiary hospital in South Africa

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted the provision of ophthalmic care. Aim: This study aimed to quantify the pandemic on the number of ophthalmic surgeries. Setting: The study was conducted at a South African tertiary academic hospital. Methods: A retrospective comparative analysis of eye surgeries 1 year pre- and post- onset of the COVID-19 lockdown (27 March 2019 to 26 March 2021) was conducted. Theatre surgical records were analysed 1-year pre- and post-lockdown. All surgical procedures were recorded and subcategorised into cataract, cornea, glaucoma, oncologic, orbital, oculoplastic, strabismus, trauma, vitreoretinal, and other. Trauma surgeries in the post-pandemic year were sub-analysed based on the level alcohol restriction level. Results: Total surgeries decreased from 3521 to 1551 (P < 0.001). Using multivariate analysis, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) for all surgeries during the pandemic was 0.47 (P < 0.001) with a significantly reduced IRR during the first wave of 0.427 (P = 0.003) and a non-significant change during wave two; IRR 1.25 (P = 0.36). All surgical subgroups decreased significantly except oncology, insignificant decrease from 211 to 180 (P = 0.12). Trauma significantly decreased during periods of total alcohol bans; IRR of 0.50 (P < 0.001). An insignificant decrease was found during periods of partial ban with an IRR of 0.83 (P = 0.06) compared with periods without alcohol restrictions. Conclusion: Post lockdown, the total number of surgeries decreased in all subgroups except oncology. Alcohol bans significantly decreased trauma surgeries. Contribution: This article provides valuable insight, which may inform public health policy.