Eye health in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction : Online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to spending many hours in front of digital devices. Isolation and the fear of contracting the disease have resulted in the postponement of consultations with ophthalmology specialists, which could be associated with a delayed diagnosis of a number of diseases, increasing the risk of permanent vision loss. Aim : The main objective of the study is to establish the ophthalmic status of MU-Varna employees after online training during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods : On the territory of the University Specialized Hospital for Eye Diseases for Active Treatment in Varna, prevention examinations of the employees of the Medical University of Varna were carried out, part of a scientific project of the Medical College of Varna in the period from September 2022 until September 2023. Data were collected from a total of 253 patients. A detailed history of each patient regarding their eye health was obtained. Each individual underwent a complete ophthalmological examination. Results : Of all patients, 72.7% needed optical correction for near and/or far distance, 7.1% were not subject to optical correction and 20.2% did not need such; 68.8% had presbyopia, 22%—hypermetropia, 21.3%—myopia, 34%—astigmatism. A total of 5.9% had current optical correction; 3.2% were with amblyopia, 1.6%—with cataract, 0.8%—with lattice dystrophy, 1.2%—with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), 0.4%—with epiretinal membrane. In 11.9% of patients, elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) values or changes associated with glaucoma were found. A total of 68.8% of patients developed dry eye syndrome or, if they already suffered from it, it deteriorated after starting online training. In 5.2% of the patients over 40 years of age, cornea guttata was established; in 1.2%—pterygium; in 7.9%—allergic conjunctivitis; 0.4% were with bilaterally placed intraocular lenses (IOLs); 0.4% had ectropion. Conclusion : Due to the restrictions introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, most people did not go to regular checkups. During the preventive examinations, it was found that a large part of the patients had outdated optical correction, dry syndrome, and a number of conditions and diseases.