IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON OUTPATIENT CATARACT SURGERIES IN THE BRAZILIAN UNIFIED HEALTH SYSTEM (SUS): A TIME SERIES FROM 2008 TO 2024
Keywords:
Cataract, COVID-19, Surgery, Unified Health System, Outpatient ProductionAbstract
Objective: To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on outpatient cataract surgeries in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) between 2008 and 2024. Methods: Ecological time series study using data from the Outpatient Information System (SIA/SUS) for procedure 0405050372 – Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation, in the state of São Paulo. Annual quantities and approved values were calculated, comparing pre-pandemic (2008–2019), pandemic (2020–2021), and post-pandemic (2022–2024) periods. Results: There was an upward trend in surgeries until 2019, with an annual average of 114,946 procedures (2017–2019). In 2020, there was a 23.2% reduction compared to the pre-pandemic average, followed by partial recovery from 2022 onward. The mean approved value per surgery remained stable (BRL 640–700). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic markedly reduced cataract surgeries in SUS, highlighting the vulnerability of elective procedures during health crises.
