The Impact of Covid-19 on the Incidence and Pattern of Oculofacial Injuries

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) has emerged as a global health problem by the end the 2019. In response to this pandemic, a worldwide lockdown was implemented. In Egypt, the lockdown was implemented on March 25th and lasted for about 3 months. In this retrospective study we tried to evaluate the impacts of Covid-19 lockdown on the incidence and pattern of oculofacial injuries the lockdown was effected in Egypt for 2 months in the period from April 1st till the end of May 2020. Patient and methods: We reviewed the files of patients who were presented with oculofacial injuries to the Trauma Unit of Sohag University Hospital during the period from 1 April – 31 May in both 2019 and 2020 years. Demographic data of the patients, mode of trauma, definitive diagnosis and the management provided were collected and analyzed and the data of the two years were compared. Results: A significant decrease in oculofacial injuries by 68.3 percent with a change in the mode of trauma and method of trauma. Males are more commonly the victims before and during the lockdown. The mean age before lockdown was 33.95±16.7, while it was 27.38±18.6 during lockdown. Significant increase in the assault from others in lockdown (P value ≤ 0.001) with a decrease in motor car accidents (MCA) (P value ≤ 0.001), significant increase in lid wounds, avulsed lid rupture globe and orbital fractures (P value ≤ 0.001).Conclusion: Covid-19 lockdown resulted in significant change in the incidence and pattern of oculofacial injuries.