Conjunctival symptoms most common ocular manifestation of COVID-19
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Ocular surface symptoms were the most common manifestation in the eyes of patients with COVID-19, according to a study published in the Taiwan Journal of Ophthalmology.
“Due to the need of frequent close contact between eye care providers and their patients during clinical practice, effective and safe measures must be implemented for mutual protection,” Xiao Chun Ling, department of ophthalmology at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and colleagues wrote.
“This is particularly important because COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease [that] could be transmitted through discharge, droplets and fomites from the eyes, nose or mouth,” the authors wrote. “In certain instances, conjunctivitis can be the first presenting symptom of COVID-19 infection, thus increasing the exposure risk of clinicians to the disease.”
In a meta-analysis, researchers reviewed 14 studies and pooled prevalence estimates of ocular manifestations of COVID-19. Systematic aggregation revealed a 6% to 32% prevalence of ocular manifestations among patients with COVID-19; though ocular symptoms have a low prevalence, they still represent a critical issue, as almost all parts of the eye can carry COVID-19 manifestations. Researchers reported further analysis showed the pooled prevalence of ocular manifestations in COVID-19 was estimated to be 7% (95% CI, 0.03-0.1), with the most common symptoms including conjunctival hyperemia, increased secretion, pain and foreign body sensation. All studies reported presentation of conjunctivitis.
“The prevalence of ocular presentation among COVID-19 patients is low, and there has been no definite report of transmission from the conjunctiva, but it is imperative for all health professionals to be aware of the full spectrum of COVID-19 symptoms or signs,” Ling and colleagues concluded. “Further experimental and clinical research should be conducted to investigate the importance of ocular manifestations, as well as its underlying mechanisms, in the progression or transmission of COVID-19.”
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