Cover image_New coronavirus symptoms_Pink eye_Ophthalmologist Dr. Tong Man Kit

Is pink eye also a coronavirus symptom?

Is pink eye also a symptom of the new coronavirus?

In the face of the new crown epidemic, everyone focuses more on epidemic prevention, infection symptoms and rehabilitation treatment, and less attention is paid to the relationship between infection and vision risk. It turns out that pink eye is also an early sign of the new crown pneumonia virus, and people are worried about whether droplets will be infected by falling into the eyes, whether wearing glasses has an effect on epidemic prevention, and other mysteries, the following are answered by ophthalmologists one by one.

Mild new crown pneumonia patients, common symptoms include runny nose, headache, fatigue, throat discomfort, cough, and even muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms, there is a finger pink eye (medical name conjunctivitis) is also an early sign of the new crown pneumonia virus, which is true? Ophthalmologist Dr. Tong Man Kit explains: "Pink eye or conjunctivitis accompanied by upper respiratory tract infections (colds, flu, etc.) may also be signs of new coronavirus infection. A common symptom of conjunctivitis is hyperemia or redness and inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye, a study published in the Journal of Medical Virology studied 30 patients admitted to the hospital with the new coronavirus, and one of the patients was diagnosed with conjunctivitis."

Pink eye can cause different eye diseases

According to the above study, although the risk of conjunctivitis in patients is low, in addition to conjunctivitis, the new coronavirus has been reported to be related to other eye problems, including episcleritis, uveitis, inflammation of the lacrimal glands, retinal and optic nerve inflammation, although also rare, but some of these problems may lead to vision loss.

People wear masks when they go out every day, but they are most worried that droplets of the new coronavirus will fall into their eyes and cause infection, Dr Tong said, ocular transmission has not been confirmed by research, but the mucous membranes distributed in many body cavities and organs, including the respiratory tract, are usually the most susceptible to infection with the new coronavirus and viruses. "The surface and inner eyelid of the eye are also called the mucous membrane of the conjunctiva, so if infected droplets fall into the eye, they may be susceptible to infection." Published reports suggest that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may be transmitted through aerosol-conjunctival contact.

Goggle protection is superior

Thinking that glasses and sunglasses could block the barrier, it turned out to be "a misunderstanding", Dr. Tong said: "Neither glasses nor sunglasses can completely block respiratory droplets sprayed in your direction, but there are goggles that protect the sides and around the eyes, which can provide better protection." In fact, the mode of transmission of the new coronavirus is still thought to be mainly through respiratory droplets between people, but the virus can also survive for days on the surface. Therefore, touching an infected surface and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands can cause infection, but this risk is generally considered low.

So can cleaning your eyes with water or over-the-counter eye drops reduce the chance of infection? He pointed out that the surface of the eye has its own protective mechanisms, including antimicrobial proteins and natural lubrication, so daily cleaning or rinsing the eye with water is unnecessary and may actually wash away some of the natural protective barrier on the surface of the eye, increasing the risk of infection. If the eyes become inflamed or red, over-the-counter artificial tears may help relieve symptoms, but if symptoms persist, you should seek medical attention from your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

Wear contact lenses and maintain hygiene

More than a myopic person has said that they are worried that wearing and removing contact lenses regularly increases the risk of contracting the new crown pneumonia virus, Dr. Tong sent a reassurance that under proper hygiene conditions, there is no evidence that wearing contact lenses will increase the risk of infection with the new crown. "However, contact lens wearers touch their eyes more frequently than the general population, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that contact lens wearers temporarily switch to glasses to reduce the risk of contracting the virus." In addition, glasses can somewhat reduce the risk of irritation caused by wearing contact lenses and act as a barrier to stop before touching the eye. Although not the best protection, glasses can also serve as part of the protective shield for respiratory droplets."

Nevertheless, the American Academy of Ophthalmology says that as long as contact lenses are worn properly, hygiene is ensured and hands are washed frequently. If your eyes become red, stop wearing contact lenses and seek medical attention.

5 major ways to prevent new crown infection

To reduce the burial of the new coronavirus, Dr. Tong has the following suggestions:

  1. Clean your hands often
    - Wash hands with liquid and water for at least 20 seconds.
    - Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

  2. Reduce exposure
    - To practice social distancing, use the length of your arms (about 6 feet) as a guide distance.
    - Try to avoid entering rooms or areas with poor air circulation.
    - If you are sick, stay home unless you need medical attention.

  3. Cover coughs and sneezes
    -When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.
    - Immediately after coughing or sneezing, wash your hands with loaf fluid and water for at least 20 seconds.
    - Wear a mask in public to cover your mouth and nose.

  4. Clean and disinfect surfaces
    - Current evidence suggests that the novel coronavirus can survive for hours or even days on surfaces of a variety of materials. Cleaning and disinfecting visible dirty surfaces at home and in community settings is the best way to prevent coronavirus and other viral respiratory diseases.

  5. Get vaccinated
    - Vaccination has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of contracting the virus and reduce the severity of symptoms.

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