![\""covid-eyes.jpg"\"](\""https:\/\/www.gotzaridis.gr\/images\/covid-eyes.jpg"\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\nAs information about how the new COVID-19 coronavirus spreads changes daily, little attention has been paid to its effect on one of the most sensitive parts of our body: the eyes.<\/p>\n
To learn more about this, Dr. Stratos Gotzaridis, an ophthalmic surgeon, answers a series of questions about whether our eyes are vulnerable to the coronavirus.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The mechanisms of ocular transmission have not been well studied. However, the mucous membranes, which line many body cavities and organs, including the respiratory tract, are more susceptible to the novel coronavirus and viruses in general. The surface of the eye and the inner eyelids are also covered by a thin, translucent mucous membrane called the conjunctiva. Therefore, if infected droplets land in our eyes, we may be vulnerable to infection.<\/p>\n
The main way the coronavirus spreads is through respiratory droplets from person to person. However, the virus can survive on surfaces for up to a few days. Therefore, touching a contaminated surface and then touching our eyes, nose, or mouth without washing our hands can lead to infection.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The ocular surface has its own protective mechanisms, including antimicrobial proteins and natural lubrication. Therefore, regular cleaning or rinsing the eyes with water is not necessary and may actually remove some of the eye\u2019s natural protective barriers, thereby increasing the risk of infection.<\/p>\n
If our eyes are irritated or red, using artificial tears can help relieve the symptoms. If the symptoms persist, you should contact your doctor immediately.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
As long as proper hygiene is followed, there is no evidence that wearing contact lenses increases the risk of coronavirus infection. However, contact lens wearers touch their eyes more often than non-wearers. If we tend to touch or rub our eyes, it may be best to temporarily wear glasses, given the risk of transmission from rubbing without proper hand hygiene. In addition, glasses minimize the risk of irritation caused by contact lens wear and also serve as a barrier that prevents us from touching our eyes.<\/p>\n
Although they aren\u2019t the best protection, glasses can also serve as a barrier against respiratory droplets. If we continue to wear contact lenses, we must carefully maintain contact lens hygiene and wash our hands. If we experience redness or irritation, we should stop wearing contact lenses immediately and contact our doctor.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Yes, \u2018pink eye,\u2019 or conjunctivitis, has been reported as a possible sign of coronavirus infection. It is still unclear what percentage of patients with coronavirus experience ocular symptoms, and various studies report different figures.
Although a recent study published in an international ophthalmology journal (JAMA Ophthalmology) reported that up to one-third of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 experienced eye abnormalities, further studies are still needed. Of course, there are still causes of conjunctivitis that are not related to the coronavirus.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Although conjunctivitis, which is a temporary condition, has been linked to the coronavirus, no permanent eye damage caused by the virus has been reported yet. If a patient experiences shortness of breath, the lack of oxygen could potentially lead to damage to active tissues, such as the optic nerve or the retina, but this has not yet been reported in cases of coronavirus. In this case, the eye damage could be caused by reduced oxygen levels rather than by the virus itself.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Transmission via infected eye tissue or fluid is still controversial. The novel coronavirus has been detected in tear samples in a small number of cases. Given the presence of viral particles, transmission of the coronavirus is possible, although the risk is likely low. However, the infectivity or clinical significance is not yet known, and further studies are needed.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Patients who are immunocompromised may be more vulnerable to coronavirus infection, so it is important to follow physical distancing measures to minimize the risk. We should discuss the possibility of modifying the treatment regimen with our doctor (a uveitis specialist or rheumatologist). For most patients who are not sick, the risk of vision loss from uncontrolled eye inflammation is greater than the increased risk of contracting the coronavirus.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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