Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on stress level of residents and fellows during ophthalmology training.

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the mental health of residents and fellows in ophthalmology. Methods: A questionnaire composed of 42 questions was applied to Brazilian residents and fellows in Ophthalmology. The questionnaire addressed the demographics of participants, their working conditions before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Results: The study had a total of 271 participants in Ophthalmology training, from which 100 were fellows and 171 were residents. Before the pandemic, Ophthalmology residents and fellows had a higher workload (P < 0.001), and residents worked more hours than fellows (P = 0.001). During the pandemic, the workload of both residents and fellows decreased and equalized (P = 0.195). No correlation was found between the working hours during the pandemic and their stress level were observed (P = 0.760). Higher stress scores were identified in women ophthalmologists (P = 0.001) as well as in residents and fellows that had their surgical training interrupted during the pandemic (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The stress level of residents and fellows during the COVID-19 pandemic was similar, however, those that had their surgical training interrupted during the pandemic presented higher level of stress. Female physicians also presented higher level of stress compared to male physicians.

Color Fundus Imaging Using a High-Magnification Lens for Detecting Subtle Macular Changes in Infants With Congenital Zika Syndrome.

Purpose: We describe subtle macular changes that were detected by high-magnification color fundus imaging in infants with congenital Zika syndrome. Methods: This series included 4 infants (age: 1.4 ± 0.1 years [range, 1.3-1.5 years]) who were serologically confirmed with congenital Zika syndrome, examined under anesthesia, and underwent fundus examination and color fundus documentation. The fundus images were captured using 130° and 80° field lenses. Fluorescein angiography confirmed macular lesions. Results: Wide-angle color fundus images detected unilateral retinal findings in all 4 infants. Chorioretinal atrophy was identified in 2 eyes (25%) of 2 infants (50%) and pigment mottling in 3 eyes (37.5%) of 2 infants (50%). High-magnification imaging revealed subtle macular changes in the contralateral eyes of the 4 infants that were confirmed by fluorescein angiography imaging. Conclusions: High-magnification fundus imaging can be effective and reliable in revealing and documenting subtle structural changes in the macula of infants with congenital Zika syndrome.