"Out of Sight": Nuclear Medicine, Eye Strain and Teleradiology During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objectives: Digital eye strain (DES) or computer vision syndrome is a term used to describe a constellation of visual problems arising from prolonged digital screen exposure. Radiologists have long been vulnerable to this occupational hazard given the extended hours spent behind digital screens reviewing images. Given that excellent visual acuity is perhaps the most important requirement a nuclear physician must possess in order to effectively analyze images, it is important to shed light on this growing health concern, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: During the COVID-19 pandemic imaging became even more crucial in diagnosing and managing clinical conditions. Due to the high risk of exposure, shortages in personal-protective equipment and increasing healthcare burnout, the amount of time providers spent obtaining histories and examining patients decreased significantly. Consequently, imaging became central in helping clinicians in reaching diagnoses and tailoring patient treatment plans accordingly. In 2020, imaging in the emergency department setting increased to 42% from 39% in 2019, whereas inpatient imaging increased from 24% to 33% in 2020. The unpredictability of the COVID disease course resulted in more emergent imaging being ordered by clinicians, which put additional strain on radiologists to increase turnaround time to help provide answers.

Results: There has also been a shift towards Teleradiology during the COVID-19 pandemic with more nuclear medicine physicians and radiologists working remotely or from home. Although telemedicine has helped decrease risk of COVID 19 exposure, it has resulted in fewer in person interactions with consultants, as well as with radiology residents at academic institutions.

Conclusions: Utilizing videoconferencing services has become the new norm and has resulted in increased digital screen time. During these unprecedented times, nuclear medicine physicians and radiologists should be more cognizant of DES and focus on measures to help mitigate its potential long-term effects such as by taking frequent breaks, using appropriate lighting, adjusting image settings and utilizing artificial tears.