History through the eyes of a pandemic
- 21 September 2020
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health) in Current Opinion in Opthalmology
- Vol. 31 (6), 538-548
- https://doi.org/10.1097/icu.0000000000000711
Abstract
Purpose This review provides a historic perspective of the impact that major pandemics have had on human and their relationship with ophthalmology. The novel coronavirus epidemic is also analyzed, highlighting the relevance of the eye as a possible source of transmission, infection, and prognosis for the disease. Results Smallpox is suspected to be present for more than 12 000 years. However, trachoma seems to be the first recorded ophthalmological infectious disease. The deadliest pandemics include the bubonic plague, smallpox, and Spanish flu. The CoVID-19 epidemic is still developing and measures need to be implemented to prevent further escalation of the crisis. Summary Understanding the current facts in light of earlier historical evidence may help us prepare better to minimize the spread of infections in the future.Keywords
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