20 May CORONAVIRUS CONJUNCTIVITIS … IS THAT POSSIBLE?
After weeks of lockdown, the world is getting back to the new normality. Since the beginning of the pandemic we have learned about this virus and how it affects the human body and most of its organs: lungs, heart, nervous system, skin… and the eyes are no exception.
Ocular involvement in COVID infection is rare, most frequently as a conjunctivitis. Less than 2% of COVID cases present eye symptoms, consisting of red eye, foreign body sensation, watering, and photophobia in those cases in which there is also a keratitis associated.
Eye symptoms:
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- Red eye
- Foreign body sensation
- Watering .
- And photophobia in those cases in which there is also a keratitis associated.
This pink eye happens in patients with the rest of the COVID infection symptoms, such as dry cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue and body aches. The diagnosis is made by PCR, both from throat and conjunctival swaps.
Treatment for this condition is symptomatic, as there is currently no valid antiviral drug for COVID. Nevertheless, this viral conjunctivitis has good prognosis and in most of the cases will heal with no visual sequels.
As COVID19 is very contagious, these are our recommentations to avoid being infected:
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- • Social distancing 1,5-2 mts.
- • Use masks all the times (especially if you are with other people)
- • Wash your hands very frequently
- • Avoid touching your face and/or your eyes
And be prudent, we have made great advances thanks to your efforts. We should keep the safety regulations longer, if we want to win this battle against COVID.
Dr. José I. Belda Sanchis – Eye Doctor of Visionker Eye Clinic Torrevieja (Alicante)
The @visionker Team
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