Impact of COVID 19 pandemic lockdown in pediatric ophthalmology service in Kedia eye hospital, Nepal

Abstract

Purpose: The Objective of the study is to know and record the effect of lockdown in the outpatient and emergency services of pediatric ophthalmology department of Kedia Eye Hospital. Method: Comparison of the children attending the Pediatric Eye Department of Kedia Eye Hospital during and before lockdown. Data of February 16 2021 to April 15 2021 was compared with April 16 2021 to June 15 2021. Collection of data was done from the Kedia Eye Hospital Outpatients and Emergency Eye Register. Results: Children below 15 years of age were enrolled in this study. Number of patients recorded from February 16 to April 15 2021 were 2030 and from April 16 to June 15 2021 were 318. Male patients attending hospital before lockdown was 51.62% and 55.47% during lockdown. Before lockdown female patient in the hospital was 55.47% and during lockdown was 44.02%. Total surgeries performed before lockdown was 94 and during lockdown was 11. Before lockdown Refractive error (43.15%) was the most common problem followed by Dry eye (16.55), vernal keratoconjunctivitis (15.41%). During lockdown Refractive Error (32.38%) was common followed by viral conjunctivitis (17.92%), Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (13.83%) and Trauma (11.63%). Conclusion: COVID -19 Lockdown reduced the number of patients and surgeries in the hospital. Trauma related eye disease, ocular infections and nasolacrimal duct obstruction increased in children during the lockdown.