To evaluate whether the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with changes in the incidence of retinal vascular occlusions.
Key Findings:
In 2019, 66 retinal vein occlusions and 20 arterial occlusions were recorded; in 2020, 49 vein occlusions and 21 arterial occlusions were recorded.
The IRR for vein occlusions in 2020 compared to 2019 was 0.73 (p=.093) and for arterial occlusions was 1.04 (p=.896).
No significant temporal association was found between COVID-19 incidence and retinal vascular events (p=.08).
Interpretation:
The study did not observe an increase in retinal vascular occlusive events during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, challenging previous concerns based on biological plausibility.
Limitations:
Potential underdiagnosis or delayed consultations during lockdowns may have affected detection rates.
The study was limited to a single region and may not be generalizable.
Conclusion:
The findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic did not lead to an increased burden of retinal vascular events in the studied population.
