Coronavirus and your eyes!
As with all viruses, Coronavirus can cause a viral conjunctivitus.
Is conjunctivitis (pink eye) a symptom of coronavirus? Conjunctivitis can be a sign of COVID-19. Additionally, COVID-19 may also present with other ocular signs and symptoms such as extreme light sensitivity, irritation and watery discharge. These are self-limiting but may require a doctor's care. If you have persistent red eyes, contact our office for accurate eye health diagnosis and proper care.
Can the virus be spread through tears? There is conflicting information regarding the expression of the virus in tears. However, it is clear in multiple medical reports from the epicenter of the breakout in Wuhan (Hubei Province), China where the virus originated, that in addition to the respiratory transmission potential, COVID-19 can be found in the tears and conjunctiva of patients that are positive for the virus with or without obvious conjunctivitis. In addition, it was reported while there is a low prevalence of COVID-19 in tears, it is possible to transmit via the tears.
So how do you get conjunctivitis associated with COVID-19? If you are within 6 feet of someone with COVID-19 and you are not wearing protective eyewear, they could cough or sneeze, you may get droplets from the spray in your eyes leading to conjunctivitis.
WATCH YOUR SOCIAL DISTANCE AND WEAR YOUR MASKS!
STOP TOUCHING YOUR FACE AND EYES! If you touch a contaminated surface then your face or eyes, you could transfer the virus to your eyes.
Can wearing glasses help protect my eyes from exposure? Standard glasses have not been proven to offer protection against COVID-19 or other viral transmissions. Safety glasses offer front and side protection and safety goggles offer splash protection that are helpful to protect against COVID-19.
Luckily only 1-3% of COVID-19 patients get conjunctivitis, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology,
SYMPTOMS
What if you have the symptoms of coronavirus and develop a pink eye? It is important for you to contact us for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan!
No self-diagnosing!
It could be allergies, antihistamines, cough medication! All of these can cause red, uncomfortable eyes.
Is conjunctivitis (pink eye) a symptom of coronavirus? Conjunctivitis can be a sign of COVID-19. Additionally, COVID-19 may also present with other ocular signs and symptoms such as extreme light sensitivity, irritation and watery discharge. These are self-limiting but may require a doctor's care. If you have persistent red eyes, contact our office for accurate eye health diagnosis and proper care.
Can the virus be spread through tears? There is conflicting information regarding the expression of the virus in tears. However, it is clear in multiple medical reports from the epicenter of the breakout in Wuhan (Hubei Province), China where the virus originated, that in addition to the respiratory transmission potential, COVID-19 can be found in the tears and conjunctiva of patients that are positive for the virus with or without obvious conjunctivitis. In addition, it was reported while there is a low prevalence of COVID-19 in tears, it is possible to transmit via the tears.
So how do you get conjunctivitis associated with COVID-19? If you are within 6 feet of someone with COVID-19 and you are not wearing protective eyewear, they could cough or sneeze, you may get droplets from the spray in your eyes leading to conjunctivitis.
WATCH YOUR SOCIAL DISTANCE AND WEAR YOUR MASKS!
STOP TOUCHING YOUR FACE AND EYES! If you touch a contaminated surface then your face or eyes, you could transfer the virus to your eyes.
Can wearing glasses help protect my eyes from exposure? Standard glasses have not been proven to offer protection against COVID-19 or other viral transmissions. Safety glasses offer front and side protection and safety goggles offer splash protection that are helpful to protect against COVID-19.
Luckily only 1-3% of COVID-19 patients get conjunctivitis, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology,
SYMPTOMS
- red, injected eye
- watery discharge
- sandy, gritty feeling
- warm compresses
- oral pain relievers like tylenol
- over-the-counter artificial tears will help you feel better.
What if you have the symptoms of coronavirus and develop a pink eye? It is important for you to contact us for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan!
No self-diagnosing!
It could be allergies, antihistamines, cough medication! All of these can cause red, uncomfortable eyes.