4 Eye Problems Common in COVID-19 Patients

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In the initial study of its kind, researchers found that most patients suffering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) also experience eye issues such as sore eyes and light sensitivity.

Surprisingly, 81% of COVID-19 patients reported ocular issues within two weeks of other disease-related symptoms. And according to the new research published in the journal BMJ Open Ophthalmology. 80% of those patients said their eye problems lasted less than two weeks.

Common Eyes Issues in Covid-19 Patients

A study on COVID and eye problems performed in 83 patients observed three common eye issues: 

  • Getting itchy eyes – 17% of COVID-19 patients in the study reported this symptom
  • Sensitivity to light – 18% of COVID-19 patients in the study reported this symptom
  • Visibly sore eyes – 16% of COVID-19 patients in the study reported this symptom

1. Itchy Eyes

Seventeen percent also had itchy eyes.

2. Sensitivity to Light

While photophobia (light sensitivity) was noted by 18% of patients, this was only a 5% increase from their pre-COVID-19 condition.

3. Sore Eyes

When patients with COVID-19, sore eyes were considerably more prevalent, with 16 percent identifying it as one of their symptoms, according to an 83-person study, just 5% reported having the disease previously.

4. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) and COVID-19

Coronavirus may lead to conjunctivitis (pink eye) is observed in about 1% to 3% of adults, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). We can define it as a kind of inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, a thin membrane that covers the whites of the eyes (sclera) and the inside of the eyelids.

We see that pink eye is one of the prevalent ophthalmological symptoms. Although it is presently rare, with other sources reporting that it only expose in up to 3% of people with the disease. Some observations also state it is more common in individuals with severe cases of COVID-19.

Symptoms

The symptoms of viral conjunctivitis such as that caused by the coronavirus may expose in:

  • Sore eyes
  • Burning eyes
  • Itchy eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Photophobia (light sensitivity)
  • Red eyes

A COVID eye infection, like any other viral conjunctivitis, is highly infectious. Coughing, sneezing, and rubbing your eyes can transmit viral conjunctivitis.

Not all eye problems linked to COVID-19

A few studies have found that COVID-positive patients report certain eye problems at close to the same rate that patients without coronavirus. Also, in some cases, COVID-negative patients had a higher rate of specific eye problems than those with the virus. 

It clearly shows that some reported eye problems may not be related to coronavirus at all.

So we can conclude that it could just be a coincidence that someone has simultaneously COVID-19 and an eye issue. Some people might experience eye flashes and floaters, two common eye issues that some coronaviruses patients have reported.

COVID's effects on the retina

According to the current research, only a small percentage of COVID patients would have vision difficulties. However, when these issues arise, they can vary from mild to life-threatening.

Many of these issues involve the retina, a light-sensing layer of cells at the rear of the eye that plays an important part in the vision.

According to the new research, four of the most common ocular disorders that may emerge following COVID infection are listed below.

  • "Cotton wool" spots
  • Eye stroke
  • Retinal vein occlusion
  • Retinal hemorrhage

Do Contact Wearers have a Higher Risk of Infection for COVID-19?

No evidence using contact lenses raises your risk of COVID-19 infection if you maintain basic hygiene. Contact lens users, on the other hand, touch their eyes more frequently than the typical individual. Given the potential of transmission via rubbing without good hand hygiene, temporarily switching to glasses may be preferable if you tend to touch or rub your eyes.

Additionally, glasses serve as a barrier that causes you to pause before touching your eyes, reducing the chance of discomfort from contact lens wear.

Glasses can provide a temporary shield against respiratory droplets, though they aren't the best protection. If you decide to keep using contact lenses, make sure you follow contact lens hygiene guidelines and wash your hands often. If you suffer redness or irritation, stop using your contact lenses and see your eye doctor.

Eye doctor visits and COVID

When you want to book an appointment with your eye specialist, first of all, call and discuss your symptoms since they may be connected to COVID-19. Inform them over the phone if:

  • You might have been getting coronavirus infection
  • You're suffering from the effects of the coronavirus.
  • You're waiting for the results of a coronavirus test.
  • You have tested positive for COVID-19.

You need to wait to see an eye doctor if your condition isn't an emergency. If you're going to the eye doctor during the pandemic, make sure you're wearing a mask. Be Careful to notice that your eye doctor may take extra measures, such as checking your temperature before allowing you to enter the office and inspecting your eyes with a special plastic breath shield.

Conclusion

The results of a recent study with researchers using MRI revealed substantial abnormalities in the eyes of certain persons with severe COVID-19. The findings support the requirement for eye screening in these individuals to give effective therapy and treatment of COVID-19's potentially severe ophthalmological symptoms.

FAQS

What is coronavirus eye symptoms?

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) might be a symptom of COVID-19. Research suggests that the most common eye problems linked to COVID-19 are light sensitivity, sore eyes, and itchy eyes.

What are the eyesight problems after covid-19?

According to cornea and retina, specialists Eye-related issues have been noticed in individuals who have undoubtedly recovered from COVID-19. Some patients have complained of hazy vision when suffering from the condition, but it appears that these vision problems have persisted even after they've recovered.

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Enlist eye issues after the covid-19 vaccine?

According to the CDC, most vaccine side effects are mild and are "normal signs that your body is building protection." They do not include eye- or vision-related symptoms. So it is still uncertain.

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