Barraquer resumes activity and estimates a 15% increase in eye diseases

12/05/2020

Barraquer attributes the increase in ocular pathologies such as dry eye, computer visual syndrome, conjunctivitis or increased myopia, to the high exposure to electronic devices during confinement.

Barraquer implements exhaustive control measures so that visits are completely safe for patients and healthcare personnel.

The Barraquer Ophthalmology Center has resumed its scheduled activity, both clinical and surgical, after the situation of partial stoppage of non-urgent cases due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Center recommends that the entire population, as soon as the situation allows, carry out an eye check-up "as a compulsory appointment in health care after the abuse of close vision during the weeks of confinement", as advised by the doctor Juan Pedro Álvarez de Toledo, ophthalmologist and medical deputy director of the Barraquer Ophthalmology Center.

"As soon as the pandemic control phase allows us, we must resume health care. The treatment of many ailments and pathologies have been postponed due to the seriousness of the situation and the fear of contagion, with the consequent aggravation. And this also applies to eye diseases," says the doctor.

Álvarez de Toledo estimates that there will be a 15% rise in eye pathologies derived from the confinement situation and high exposure to electronic devices with the increase in ailments such as dry eye, visual computer syndrome, conjunctivitis or increased myopia.

"From now on, and when returning to health care, it is more important than ever that patients feel safe," says the doctor. In this sense, it should be remembered that the Barraquer Ophthalmology Center has implemented measures and protocols that prevent and minimize the risk of contagion during the visit of the patients so that the visits take place in an environment of "total safety, both for patients as well as for health and care personnel ”, he stresses.

Internal measures

Barraquer has adopted a series of specific sanitary measures so that patients can be cared for with maximum safety and guarantee their tranquility. In addition to promoting telework, all personnel working at the Center have protection equipment approved according to the function they perform and are subject to periodic health checks. The disinfection of all areas of the hospital has also been reinforced, screens have been installed in receptions and consultations, and spaces have been redistributed to expand waiting rooms, thus guaranteeing the safety distance.

In addition, the clinic informs patients before going to their visit and makes a specific protocol of access and reception to the facilities. On the other hand, patients undergo a prior evaluation to determine if they have or have had symptoms compatible with the coronavirus. In the case of surgical patients, COVID-19 screening tests have been included in all preoperative procedures: Barraquer performs PCR tests and blood antibody tests on all his patients before undergoing surgery.

On the other hand, the time between patients has been spaced to reduce the concentration of people in the waiting rooms. Capacity has been limited and magazines and information brochures have been removed from public areas. Commercial and supplier visits are also temporarily not allowed.

Measures requested from patients

• Visitors are required to wear a mask. The use of gloves is optional.
• We prohibit the access of companions, except for minors, patients with reduced mobility, low vision or disability.
• Upon arrival at the clinic, a series of instructions are provided and we ask to clean hands with a hydroalcoholic gel for 20 seconds.
• We ask our patients to remain in the designated waiting room until they are called and avoid moving around the clinic.
• We request punctuality to avoid unnecessary waiting and patient accumulation. We also insist on maintaining the safety distance of 2 meters.
• We recommend avoiding wearing bracelets, necklaces or earrings, since the coronavirus remains on metal surfaces for days. In any case, the Center provides patients with bags to store their belongings during their visit.