DR. YAMINI K

DR. RAJESH

Abstract

Aim: To analyse the reasons for delay in cataract surgery in advanced cataracts during COVID 19 pandemic

Methodology: A multi centric prospective questionnaire study included patients with advanced cataracts during the COVID 19 pandemic from November 2020 to April 2021.Results:1472 patients were recruited across 6 centres with advanced cataracts. Absence of ophthalmic care nearby(44.2%), lack of awareness regarding elective surgeries(42.6%), lack of public transportation(37%),fear of contracting COVID(23.4%) and waiting for outreach camps(20.4%) were found to be the reasons for delay.53.7% had worsening of defective vision and 55.3% had difficulty in carrying out activities of daily living during the pandemic.Conclusion: The lockdown imposed during the pandemic has created a significant backlog of patients who are progressing to advanced cataracts due to various socioeconomic factors. Proactive measures to deal with this backlog are of utmost need to prevent blindness due to cataract.