Conjunctivitis common in monsoon, may also indicate COVID infection: Columbia Asia Hospital, Ghaziabad eye specialists

Doctors suggest maintaining eye hygiene, social distancing is only way to prevent COVID-19 infection through eyes or ocular discharge

Conjunctivitis is a common eye infection in monsoons, but eye specialists at Columbia Asia Hospital, Ghaziabad warn that it may also indicate COVID infection. Conjunctivitis or pink eye has been found as an atypical symptom and doctors suggest maintaining eye hygiene and social distancing as precautions to avoid COVID infection.

“In humans, acute conjunctivitis is the only ophthalmic manifestation found in scientific studies in the past few months. The eyes are an important point of entry for respiratory viruses, including coronaviruses. Conjunctivitis is common in monsoon and an asymptomatic patient or a patient in incubation can transmit the disease through tears or discharge. It is important to wear eye protection – lack of wearing eye protection was associated with an increased risk of SARS coronavirus transmission from infected patients to healthcare workers during the SARS outbreak in 2003 in Toronto.[1] Scientific studies published show that conjunctivitis can be the only sign and symptom of active COVID-19 infection without the other general symptoms of fever, dry cough or respiratory symptoms,” says Dr Anant Vir Jain, Ophthalmologist Columbia Asia Hospital, Ghaziabad.

Doctors suggest maintaining eye hygiene and social distancing are the only way to prevent a COVID-19 infection through eyes or ocular discharge.

“When a patient of coronavirus, even if he or she is asymptomatic, speaks or coughs or sneezes, droplets can emanate and spread diseases. Those who wear contact lenses should use glasses during the pandemic and maintain eye hygiene – wash your hand with soap and water and then wash your eyes with plain water, repeat this frequently. Use medicated eye drops prescribed to you. It is also important to avoid straining eyes – avoid looking at laptop or any screen continuously and try to take 10 minutes break every hour, this will reduce tendency to rub eyes. Take a walk around and look at trees. Take care of diet – include spinach, apricots, sweet potatoes, fish, as well as Vitamin C, calcium and zinc. Doctors treating patients with eye conditions must use face shield and PPE to prevent chances of infection,” says Jain.

References:

[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214250920300822