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- Drop in conjunctivitis cases following COVID-19 measures
Drop in conjunctivitis cases following COVID-19 measures
US emergency department data has revealed a reduction in the number of patients seeking treatment for conjunctivitis following the pandemic
24 November 2021
New research published in JAMA Ophthalmology has revealed that the number of patients seeking treatment for conjunctivitis at a US emergency department dropped 37% following the pandemic.
Scientists examined US internet search data for terms related to non-allergic conjunctivitis, corneal abrasions and posterior vitreous detachments.
The researchers also analysed records at a US emergency department for the same conditions.
Trends were examined before and after public health measures for COVID-19 were introduced in April 2020.
The study found that emergency department visits for nonallergic conjunctivitis decreased 37% following the pandemic, while the number of patients seeking treatment for corneal abrasions and posterior vitreous detachments remained stable.
Search interest in conjunctivitis decreased by 34% following the outbreak of COVID-19.
“Public health interventions, such as social distancing, increased emphasis on hygiene, and travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, were associated with decreased search interest in non-allergic conjunctivitis and conjunctivitis-associated emergency department encounters,” the authors highlighted.
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