COVID-19 Disease and Ophthalmology: An Update

Abstract

The worldwide outbreak of the severe and acute respiratory coronavirusdisease (COVID-19) caused by the coronavirus strain SARS-CoV-2 is currently the focalpoint of discussion due to the suffering this syndrome is causing to humanity. However,the ophthalmological implications of this syndrome has not yet been well described. Botheyes and tears as portals of entry and sources of contagion have been the subject ofdebate by many authors. The purpose of this review is to summarize the evidencecurrently available on COVID-19 and its ocular implications and manifestations, in bothanimals and humans, with the aim to facilitate prevention and educate theophthalmological community on this subject. A review of the literature revealed that theresults of some studies suggest that ocular symptoms commonly appear in patients withsevere COVID-19 pneumonia and that it is possible to isolate the virus from theconjunctival sac of these patients. Conjunctivitis is not a common manifestation of thedisease, but contact with infected eyes could be one route of transmission.Consequently, ophthalmologists need to have correct prevention strategies in place. Someguidelines regarding the prevention and management of ophthalmology clinics arereviewed. However, well-designed trials should be conducted to rule out other ocularmanifestations that may result from COVID-19 infection and to understand thetransmission of the virus through the eyes.