Our Summary

This study looked at the incidence of eye infections (endophthalmitis) after a specific eye surgery (vitrectomy) during the time when face masks were strictly used due to COVID-19. The researchers analyzed data from 31 eye care institutions in Japan and compared records from surgeries done in 2019 (before COVID-19) and from July 2020 to June 2021 (during the period of strict mask use).

They found that there were more cases of post-surgery eye infections during the mask-wearing period than before. Specifically, out of about 16,500 surgeries before COVID-19, there were 18 cases of infections (0.11%). However, during the mask-wearing period, out of about 14,900 surgeries, there were 31 cases of infections (0.21%).

They also found that the type of bacteria causing the infections varied between the two periods. Before COVID-19, all the identified bacteria causing the infections belonged to the Staphylococcus family. During the mask period, some of the infections were caused by bacteria normally found in the mouth, including Streptococcus species, which are rarely seen in post-vitrectomy infections.

These findings suggest that doctors should be aware of a higher risk of eye infections after vitrectomy during the period of strict mask use and treat their patients accordingly.

FAQs

  1. Was there an increased incidence of eye infections after vitrectomy during the period of strict mask use due to COVID-19?
  2. What type of bacteria caused the infections before and during the COVID-19 mask-wearing period?
  3. What do these findings suggest for doctors performing vitrectomy procedures during the period of strict mask use?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about vitrectomy is to follow proper post-operative care instructions to reduce the risk of infection. This includes keeping the eye clean, using prescribed eye drops as instructed, and avoiding rubbing or touching the eye. Additionally, patients should be cautious about potential sources of bacteria, such as wearing a mask that may harbor harmful bacteria near the eye during the healing period. If any signs of infection, such as redness, pain, or discharge, develop, patients should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended vitrectomy include those with conditions such as:

  1. Retinal detachment
  2. Macular hole
  3. Diabetic retinopathy
  4. Vitreous hemorrhage
  5. Epiretinal membrane
  6. Retinal vein occlusion
  7. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy
  8. Vitreomacular traction syndrome

It is important for patients undergoing vitrectomy to follow post-operative care instructions provided by their healthcare provider to reduce the risk of complications, including eye infections.

Timeline

Before vitrectomy:

  • Patient undergoes a consultation with an ophthalmologist to discuss the need for surgery and the potential risks and benefits
  • Pre-operative testing may be conducted to assess the patient’s overall health and eye condition
  • Patient may be advised to stop taking certain medications or adjust their current medication regimen
  • Patient may receive instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including fasting before the procedure
  • Surgery is scheduled and patient arrives at the hospital or surgical center on the day of the procedure
  • Patient undergoes the vitrectomy procedure, which involves removing the vitreous gel from the eye and repairing any damage to the retina

After vitrectomy:

  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room for a period of time before being discharged home
  • Patient may experience some discomfort, redness, and swelling in the eye following the surgery
  • Patient is given post-operative instructions on how to care for their eye at home, including using prescribed eye drops and avoiding certain activities
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure there are no complications
  • Patient may experience improved vision over time as the eye heals
  • In some cases, patients may develop complications such as infection, which may require additional treatment
  • Patient continues to follow up with their ophthalmologist for ongoing care and monitoring of their eye health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the risk of developing an eye infection after vitrectomy surgery, and how does wearing a mask impact this risk?

  2. How will you ensure proper infection control protocols are in place during my vitrectomy surgery to reduce the risk of post-surgery infections?

  3. What are the signs and symptoms of an eye infection that I should watch out for after my vitrectomy surgery?

  4. How will you monitor me post-surgery to detect any signs of infection early on?

  5. What steps can I take to reduce my risk of developing an eye infection after vitrectomy surgery, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when wearing masks is recommended?

  6. Will I need to take any additional precautions or medications after my vitrectomy surgery to prevent infections, considering the increased risk during the mask-wearing period?

  7. How will you determine the appropriate course of treatment if I do develop an eye infection after my vitrectomy surgery, especially if the type of bacteria causing the infection has changed during the mask-wearing period?

Reference

Authors: Sakamoto T, Terasaki H, Yamashita T, Shiihara H, Funatsu R, Uemura A; Japanese Retina and Vitreous Society. Journal: Br J Ophthalmol. 2023 Oct;107(10):1472-1477. doi: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2022-321357. Epub 2022 Jun 21. PMID: 35728937