The cost of the pandemic on eye health

During and after the pandemic we had a number of patients calling the practice to say that they thought their eyesight had deteriorated. Most blamed extended use of technology whilst on lockdown or working from home.

However new research is shedding light on other reasons. These include:

• Delays in the identification and treatment
• A reduction in the number of eye tests carried out due to practice closures, allowing time to carry out hygiene routines and spacing of appointments to allow for social distancing.
• A reduction in the number of referrals to hospitals
• Cancellation of operations considered none urgent

New research estimated that there was a 4.3 million drop in the number of eye tests delivered in the UK during 2020 – a decrease of 23% compared to 2019. This has resulted in 2986 people losing vision.

Referrals to ophthalmology also fell by 316,000 between March and December 2020, a 28% drop compared to 2019.

Considering specific issues, the research found that the number of people referred with suspected glaucoma fell by an estimated 43,000. Of these 2,600 would have been given urgent treatment.

Referrals for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) dropped by more than 10,820, and referrals for diabetic retinopathy dropped by 6133 during the year, and an estimated 235,000 necessary eye surgeries were missed or delayed in 2020.

While it was advised during the pandemic that anti-VEGF injections for AMD should continue, the report highlights that not all patients attended, estimating an average of 10% of injections were delayed. The report suggested 6313 fewer patients received injections for wet AMD.

An estimated 8680 less patients received injections for diabetic retinopathy, while NHS glaucoma follow-up treatments dropped by 11,062.

The cost of sight loss

Before COVID-19, the annual cost of sight loss and blindness in the UK was estimated at £36 billion. Looking at the impact of the pandemic, researchers suggested the estimated additional economic cost of sight loss and blindness between 2021 and 2024 would be £2.5 billion.

This makes the net additional impact of the pandemic on the cost of sight loss and blindness in the UK £1.7 billion between 2020 and 2024.

Commenting on the research, Lesley Cree added, “Understandably, many people did not seek care during the lockdown, particularly if they were advised to shield or were simply reluctant to leave home.”

She continued “Whilst we were also closed for a short period, once we were allowed to re-open we implemented strict measures and were able to see all patients who had an eye problem. However, we know that some patients are still reluctant to respond to our appointment reminders. Whilst we make every effort to contact patients – we are urging anyone who has not had an eye test for over two years to book an eye examination as soon as possible. That way, should a problem be identified we can help them get treatment.”

If you have not had your eyes tested within the last two years you can book an eye examination at Lesley Cree Opticians by calling our friendly and helpful team on 0115 933 2999.