Australia is facing a leap in the number of people who could unnecessarily lose their sight to wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) due to treatment cancellations caused by fear and confusion around coronavirus.
One in seven Australians over the age of 50 have signs of AMD, and the incidence increases with age.
"Ophthalmologists are seeing a worrying increase in the number of people cancelling eye injections, said Paul Mitchell, national research advisor for Macular Disease Foundation Australia.
Professor Mitchell said that in his own clinic, up to a third of patients with conditions such as wet AMD or diabetic macular oedema (DME) were skipping these crucial appointments, concerned they will be fined for leaving their home to attend.
"However, none of these people have, or are suspected to have, contracted the virus.
"Projecting from my clinic, that means thousands of Australians are gambling with their vision."
He said wet AMD needs treatment for many years, while DME or diabetic retinopathy mostly need treatment for one year or so, and may also need laser treatment.
Professor Mitchell said that without regular injections, there is a high risk that people will go blind or suffer significant vision loss, which is often then irreversible.
The federal government strongly advises that all Australians self-isolate, unless for essential medical or healthcare needs. Vulnerable people are further advised to stay at home as much as possible
Professor Mitchell said eye injections are considered essential medical treatment, while any sudden loss of vision, in either eye, was a health emergency requiring urgent attention.
"I want to stress: if you have a scheduled eye injection; if you are a family carer, or someone who needs to take a person to a scheduled eye injection, you are not breaching public health measures to attend that appointment," Professor Mitchell said.
"Obviously, if the patient has the virus or has had contact with someone who has been infected, the ophthalmologist should be contacted by phone to reschedule.''
MDFA medical committee chairman Alex Hunyor said where possible, ophthalmologists are rescheduling non-urgent appointments or treatments.
He said clinics were taking even more precautions now and waiting rooms must comply with social distancing protocols.
"Many ophthalmology practices are asking patients to wait in their cars and calling them to come in only when required. Call ahead. Ask what extra protocols are in place, and what precautions you can take," Dr Hunyor said.
Professor Mitchell added: "We understand people are fearful but, please, ring and speak with your ophthalmologist, or the receptionist. You can also call MDFA's National Helpline - 1800 111 709 - for free telephone advice and a free Amsler grid - a useful tool for monitoring vision changes at home."
