Hyderabad: Eye, dental doctors at high risk from Covid

Hyderabad: The government has issued guidelines to dentists and ophthalmologists, but they are in a spot as they deal with sensitive organs and stand at high risk of being infected by the Coronavirus. If a patient is a Covid positive, this can be harmful to doctors and medical staff.

Speaking to The Hans India, Dr M Priyanka, State president of Telangana chapter of Indian Dental Association, said, "The guidelines were issued on Tuesday and were circulated to all the doctors concerned. We are asked not asked to perform any surgeries that would lead to the release of aerosols. We are asked to attend to only cases such as tooth pain or swelling and provide medication to those who need surgeries like for the root canal procedure."

She adds further, "If a doctor performs the aerosol treatments and then get affected or any of the patient gets affected, that particular dental clinic would be seized for around three months by the government. Dentists are the worst affected. We are asked not to use the ceiling fans or air conditioners. It would be difficult to work. There is a huge threat of dehydration."

Rishi Swarup, General Secretary of Hyderabad Ophthalmologists Association, said, "Even if we use eye goggles and face shields, there won't be clarity. We operate through a microscope during a surgery. With lack of clarity, it will be difficult and hazardous for both the doctor and the patient. Due to this, the speed of the surgery has also been reduced. We are also taking special consent from the patients. All India ophthalmological society has issued some guidelines and we are trying to follow few of them."

During a treatment when water is put in the eye, it creates aerosol particles that can be harmful for the patient and the doctor. At present, research on this issue has been going on about what can be done as an alternative. 

TAKE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Do's

Keep fumigation

Keep an extra oral suction

Use ultraviolet light

Regular sanitization of the clinics or hospitals

Use PPE kits, N95 masks, face shields and gloves

Screening of patients with infrared or contactless thermometer 

Dont's

No surgeries will be done

Air

conditions and fans to be closed

Limiting eye exposure

'CORONA SAMBHALKE'

Dentists to attend to only cases such as tooth pain or swelling and provide medication to those who need surgeries for root canal

During a treatment when water is put in the eye, it creates aerosol particles that can be harmful for the patient and the doctor