Consequences of COVID-19 on Uveitis Patients from Their Own Perspective: A Questionnaire-based Study

ABSTRACT

Purpose

Given their immunocompromised status, uveitis patients should be particularly careful during the COVID-19 pandemic. Treatment compliance and adherence are among the most important patient-related determinants of treatment success.

To assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management of uveitis patients from their own perspective.

Methods

A questionnaire was performed on uveitis patients at Cairo University Hospital in the period between June and August 2020.

Results

Overall, 150 responses were received. Almost 20% patients stopped their medications. A total of 61.7% patients reported no fears regarding getting infected with the novel coronavirus. In addition, 54% patients found medical services easily, 26% patients received them through telemedicine, and 34% patients reported worsening of their ocular condition.

Conclusions

COVID-19 has caused a decrease in uveitis patient compliance with follow-ups, leading to worsening of their ocular condition. Economic and psychological effects of COVID-19 pandemic on any chronic patient should be addressed to prevent further deterioration as the pandemic continues.

KEYWORDS:

• COVID-19
• uveitis
• immunosuppression
• compliance

Acknowledgments

Gihad Muhammed Maroon, Islam Saeed Youssef Hassan, Mohamed Hossam Saied Mahmoud, Nourhan Mohamed Badr, Salwa Yasser Imran.

Grants and funds in support of the study

None.

Proprietary interests

None.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.