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Rapid Review: Diabetic retinopathy screening during the COVID-19 pandemic

People with diabetes (PWD) are included in the group at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) and have been advised to observe stringent social distancing measures.(1)  This creates a difficult situation for PWD and their Health Care Providers (HCP) as PWD require an annual review including retinal screening as part of their screening for complications, which involves a physical visit to a community or hospital facility or an eye clinic.

This rapid review addresses the following questions:

  • How can we help stratify annual retinal screening programmes for PWD during the COVID-19 pandemic?
  • Can we do remote retinal review for PWD?
  • What can we do to control the risk factors for development or progression of diabetic retinopathy during the COVID-19 pandemic?
  • Is hydroxycholoroquine safe to use in individuals with diabetic retinopathy?

Citation 

Ahmad, E., Davies, M.J. and Khunti, K., Rapid Review: Diabetic retinopathy screening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Publication link

Access the publication here: https://www.cebm.net/covid-19/rapid-review-diabetic-retinopathy-screening-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/