Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Incidence of Retinal Vascular Occlusions: An Epidemiological Analysis
-
By
-
Andrea Montesel
-
Yan Guex-Crosier
-
Chiara M. Eandi
-
April 27, 2026
-
Clinical Scorecard: Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Incidence of Retinal Vascular Occlusions: An Epidemiological Analysis
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Retinal Vascular Occlusions |
| Key Mechanisms | COVID-19 associated vascular and thromboembolic complications |
| Target Population | Patients with retinal vascular occlusions in the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland |
| Care Setting | Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne |
Key Highlights
- No increase in retinal vascular occlusive events during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Retrospective cohort study comparing incidence rates before and during the pandemic.
- Findings challenge previous reports suggesting increased thrombotic events related to COVID-19.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Utilize diagnostic keywords for identifying new cases of CRVO, BRVO, CRAO, and BRAO.
Management
- Ensure accurate diagnosis through clinical examination and multimodal imaging.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Monitor incidence rates of retinal vascular occlusions in relation to public health data.
Risks
- Consider potential underdiagnosis due to changes in healthcare-seeking behavior during the pandemic.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients diagnosed with retinal vascular occlusions in 2019 and 2020.
No significant increase in treatment needs observed during the pandemic.
Clinical Best Practices
- Conduct systematic searches of electronic medical records for accurate case identification.
- Review cases with a senior retinal specialist to confirm diagnoses.
References
