Coronavirus (Covid-19) and your eyes

Background information A new strain of Coronavirus, Covid-19, was reported from China in December 2019 and has rapidly become a global pandemic. Symptoms of COVID-19 include a mild to severe respiratory illness accompanied by a fever, cough and breathing problems, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Other symptoms include runny nose, sore throat and headache. Whilst most people will develop mild to moderate symptoms that don’t require hospital admission, the infection can be lethal in vulnerable individuals who may be older or have other health problems.

The infection is known to spread through contact transmission and hence many countries have imposed restrictions on individual movement, and recommendations for handwashing and protective masks. Simply put the infection spreads by touching a surface that has the virus and then touching one’s mouth, nose and possibly eyes. These parts of the face are covered by a type of tissue called mucous membrane which allows entry of the virus into the body and respiratory system. Transmission through direct inhalation is a possibility but requires close contact with an infected individual.

Healthcare workers caring for COVID – 19 patients are hence at increased risk infection by this route. Masks have been recommended primarily to stop the viral spread, but may also serve as a barrier to touching the nose and mouth before hand washing.

Does COVID-19 cause eye problems? Covid-19 infection is an uncommon cause of conjunctivitis, which is self-limiting and indistinguishable from other types of common viral conjunctivitis. Common symptoms of conjunctivitis are a pink or red eye, mucous or clear discharge from the eyes, soreness, grittiness and itchiness. In the case of Covid-19, these symptoms may precede or occur together with all the other flu-like and respiratory symptoms of this infection. There have also been some reports of eye pain in COVID-19 infected patients. There is no evidence that COVID-19 infection damages the eyes yet.

Patients with viral forms of conjunctivitis should avoid touching their eyes of possible, wash their hands frequently, dispose of tissues that have been used to wipe the eye, avoid sharing towels or pillows with family members and avoid close facial contact with others. Symptomatic relief can be achieved with a regular cold compress over the eyes and using cooled lubricant eye drops such as Refresh or Theoloz Duo, which are over the counter medications.

If symptoms don’t improve, an eye doctor may prescribe a short course of steroid drops to calm surface eye inflammation. Antibiotics such as Chloramphenicol (Optrex infected eye drops) are ineffective against viral conjunctivitis but will treat the secondary bacterial infection which can occur from repeated eye touching with unclean hands. It is best to use a clean tissue to wipe the eye and dispose of this after every use, just as one would with a cold.

At this time of year people who suffer from seasonal allergies can also develop allergic conjunctivitis which may require anti-histamine and other drops.

Coronavirus (Covid-19) and your eyes

Mr Allon Barsam

Book a Consultation

Coronavirus (Covid-19) and your eyes

Mr Allon Barsam

Related Blogs

Book a Consultation