Is pink eye a symptom of COVID-19

The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes COVID-19. COVID-19 patients might experience a broad spectrum of symptoms, which is growing as researchers learn more about the disease. Infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus can cause infective conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, which is not a typical symptom.

According to Trusted Source, the researchers discovered conjunctivitis symptoms in around 23% of the 216 youngsters with COVID-19. Pink eye, on the other hand, appears to be less common in adults, with research suggesting that it affects 1–3% of those who have the condition. This could mean that, while pink eye is a rare symptom, it is more common in children with COVID-19.

COVID-19 can cause various visual problems, including vision loss and eye pain, in addition to pink eye.

This post will look at the possible links between COVID-19 and eye disorders. We also look at ways people can safeguard their vision.

COVID-19 has been associated with ophthalmological symptoms:

According to a 2021 article, the prevalence of ophthalmological symptoms affecting the eyes in persons with COVID-19 could range between 2–32%. While pink eye appears to be one of the more common ophthalmological symptoms, it is still uncommon, with up to 3% of persons experiencing it. It’s also more likely in people who have severe COVID-19 cases, according to research.

Pink eye can cause a variety of symptoms:

• A hue in the white of the eye that is red or pink
• Conjunctival edema, eyelid swelling, or both
• Stinging, inflammation, or burning
• Puffiness of the eyelids
• Tearing
• Discharge
• Eyelids or lashes crusting
• A feeling as if there is something foreign in your sight

People may also have symptoms in other eye regions, such as the optic nerve, retina, pupil, and lacrimal gland, in addition to the conjunctiva. COVID-19 may also be linked to the following eye conditions:

• Episcleritis (inflammation of the episclera, the thin layer of tissue between the conjunctiva and the sclera) is a term used to describe inflammation of the episclera. While coronaviruses are commonly linked to pink eye, case reports show that COVID-19 can cause episcleritis. Episcleritis symptoms may appear before the symptoms of COVID-19 in some patients. 

• Retinal Changes:  scientists have identified retinal abnormalities in persons with COVID-19. Lesions, cotton wool patches, and bleeding are examples of retinal alterations.
• Optic neuritis: is an optic nerve inflammation that can cause vision problems. In animal models, coronaviruses can cause optic nerve inflammation, and studies suggest that SARS-CoV-2 could do the same in people. SARS-CoV-2 activates the immune system, resulting in neuritis. According to another case study, eye pain and vision loss may occur alongside more common COVID-19 symptoms.

Symptoms of: have also been reported in other case reports.

• Ache when moving your eyes
• Dilatation of the pupils
• Two-headedness
• Eye movement that is out of control
• Severe tearing and watering of the eyes

Link between Covid-19 and Pink Eye Symptoms

SARS-CoV-2, a member of the coronavirus family, is the virus that causes COVID-19. Coronaviruses can cause eye problems in people. However, they are more common in animals. Because the eyes contain so many blood channels, viruses can quickly enter through them.

The eyes may be an underestimated but viable route for SARS-CoV-2 infection. While the research suggests it’s unusual, people can get this infection through their eyes. Direct contact with the mucous membranes of the eye, according to researchers, is the most likely route of transmission.

As a result, if a person touches a contaminated surface and subsequently touches their eye, they may contract SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 can potentially enter the eye by airborne droplets due to a person having the virus by coughing or sneezing.

How to Keep Your Eyes Safe from COVID-19

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), washing hands is essential, and people should avoid touching their nose, mouth, and eyes with unwashed hands. A 2020 research will be conducted. Wearing protective goggles is also recommended, especially in healthcare settings. 

To safeguard the eyes, the American Optometric Association recommends the following:

Wearing protective eyewear, such as safety glasses, to protect the eyes

• Avoiding making contact with the eyes
• Hands should be cleaned often, and unwashed hands should not be used to touch the eyes.
• Keeping a safe distance from coughing or sneezing persons
• Keeping a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others
• Washing and disinfecting communal locations like light switches, doorknobs, and phones
• When you’re unwell, avoid wearing contact lenses.
• Those who do not use disposable lenses should disinfect their lenses according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Is conjunctivitis a cause or a risk factor for COVID-19?

Conjunctivitis can be caused by various viruses and bacteria, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus. If SARS-CoV-2 is the cause, this disease may be the solitary sign of the virus infection in some situations.

COVID-19 will not appear in a person who has conjunctivitis. However, if SARS-CoV-2 is the origin of the illness, a person may acquire COVID-19. While it’s an odd symptom, any evidence of conjunctivitis could be a marker of COVID-19, especially if a person also has other symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

COVID-19 Signs and Symptoms

The more prevalent symptoms of COVID-19, according to the CDC, include:

• Cough
• Chills or a fever
• Tiredness
• Breathing problems or shortness of breath
• Headache
• Throat irritation
• Muscular pains
• Congestion in the nose or a runny nose
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• A loss of flavor or smell

When should you consult a doctor?

If someone has pinkeye and other COVID-19 symptoms, including cough and fever, they should see their doctor. However, eye symptoms by themselves do not always indicate COVID-19.

If a person is showing signs of COVID-19 and develops any of the symptoms listed below, they should seek medical help right away:

• Breathing problems
• Fresh perplexity
• Chest pressure or pain that persists
• A lack of ability to wake up or stay awake
• Skin that is blue-tinged, pale, or grey, nail beds, or lips that are blue-tinged, pale, or grey

If you have pink eye or other indicators of an eye emergency:

• Trauma or pain in the eyes
• In the eye, there is a redness or a discharge.
• An abrupt shift in vision
• A light sensitivity

The CDC recommends artificial tears and cold compresses for patients with pink eye symptoms. If you wear contacts, you should stop wearing them until your symptoms disappear.

Summary

COVID-19 can cause conjunctivitis, or pink eye, according to an increasing number of case reports. Because SARS-CoV-2 and other members of the coronavirus family can cause infective conjunctivitis, the pink eye often manifests as redness, swelling, and discomfort the eye. While pink eye and other eye symptoms are possible, they are not common COVID-19 symptoms.

SARS-CoV-2 can enter the eye by airborne droplets from a cough or by touching the eye after touching a contaminated surface, according to research.

People can take precautions to protect their eyes to lessen the chance of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection. Wearing protective eyewear, maintaining a safe physical distance, and not touching the eyes with unwashed hands are examples. 

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