Eyes and corona virus

COVID-19 Pandemic has affected the world in recent times. “Mumbai eye care” being an eye health provider wants to aware facts about corona virus and effects on eyes. As by now we all know that Coronavirus disease is caused by highly transmissible severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Covid-19 has various modes of transmission, being as direct contact with infected people, “respiratory droplets” as an airborn infection, when someone coughs or sneezes. What makes Coronavirus deadly is its transmission by indirect contact with surfaces in the immediate environment or with objects used by the infected person.

Few cases have been reported of eye transmission of the COVID-19 virus by eye secretions, though the risk is low.

Patient experiences flu like symptoms, often accompanied by dry cough, fever, tiredness and respiratory distress. Covid19 infection symptoms generally occur within 214 days of exposure. Old age people with associated medical illnesses are more affected and are prone to complications and eventually death in few cases.

Eye problems

Conjunctivitis (inflammation of conjunctiva) also known as “Pinkeye” has been reported as one of the initial symptoms in eye infection of Coronavirus. Common symptoms may be

• Eye Discharge
• Red Eyes
• Swollen eyes
• Always something in the eye sensation
• Ocular Irritation

These symptoms are not specific for coronavirus infection; rather these symptoms can be caused by any viral, bacterial or fungal infection also. Before reaching final conclusion of COVID-19 diagnosis by you, it’s recommended to visit your eye doctor.

An old saying is ‘Prevention is better than cure’. It completely suits the COVID-19 infection as till now we are still looking for cure, so it is better to prevent ourselves from the infection by following simple protocols like

• Follow social distancing and maintaining personal hygiene.
• Eye-protection like contact lenses, sunglasses, and face shield can prevent spreading the infection.
• Avoid touching nose and rubbing your eyes often.
• Use a tissue to touch your face like an itch or touching your eye or even to adjust your glasses.
• Wash your hands frequently, especially while using eye drops and eye ointment.
• Dry eyes causes more eye rubbing, either use artificial teardrops in routine or consult your doctor.
• If you are a cataract surgery, lasik, glaucoma or any other eye surgery patient and somehow your appointment is postponed, it is important to remain compliant with your medications.

Medical urgency conditions, need for immediate attention of your eye doctor are

• Loss of sight or vision.
• Trauma to the eyes even if it appears minor
• Eye pain, redness or any growth
• Increased floaters or flashes of light
• Medical conditions like Diabetes induced retinopathy need to be immediately attended.

For any COVID related inquiries pertaining to eyes please feel free to contact our COVID dedicated lines at the following numbers: