Impact of COVID-19 on acute angle-closure attack: A retrospective study

To systematically review the characteristics of patients experiencing acute angle closure (AAC) attacks during the COVID-19 outbreak in Beijing. Patients with AAC attacks during the COVID-19 epidemic and those in the same period the following year were recruited. Demographic characteristics, ocular biometry, ocular signs, sequential relationships, and the prognosis of operative management outcome were recorded and compared between the 2 groups. We included 60 eyes of 55 patients with AAC attacks in the COVID-19 group and 34 eyes of 33 patients in the control group. There was a significantly higher incidence of bilateral attacks during the COVID-19 outbreak compared to the control group (9 vs 1, P = .043). Additionally, a higher proportion of AAC attacks were observed in the COVID-19 group (P = .035). The COVID-19 group had a higher mean peak intraocular pressure (53.42 ± 8.87 mm Hg vs 47.86 ± 11.22 mm Hg; P = .007), larger pupil diameter (5.75 ± 1.04 mm vs 4.86 ± 1.26 mm; P < .001), more pigmented keratic precipitates (39 vs 8, P < .001), and segmental atrophy of the iris (32 vs 10, P = .019). Coronavirus infection was simultaneous with or slightly preceded the appearance of AAC attacks. Most patients had an ideal prognosis after comprehensive management. An increased incidence of AAC attacks, more bilateral cases and severe anterior segment inflammation were observed during the COVID-19 outbreak in Beijing. There may be a correlation between the onset of AAC attacks and coronavirus infection, but further research is needed to explore this link.