COVID-19 & Your Eye Health

SARS-CoV-2 aka COVID-19 typically causes fatigue, fever, dry cough and breathing issues . However, a number of patients have had problems with their eyes associated with COVID-19. Since this a viral infection, it primarily causes conjunctivitis (red eye), where patients can notice the following symptoms:

Red eye
Irritated/itchy
Watery discharge
Sensitivity to light

Patient may also notice eyes feeling sore for a period of 2-3 weeks . Most symptoms in the eyes occur within 2 weeks of other COVID-19 symptoms and usually last 2-3 weeks.

If you have a red eye, it does not necessarily mean you have COVID-19. There are many other that can cause conjunctivitis (red eye). A red eye in association with the typical symptoms of COVID-19 is more likely indication COVID-19 associated conjunctivitis.

How the infection spreads:

The viral infection gets passed on primarily through droplets from a cough or a sneeze. There particles most often enter through your mouth or nose as well as your eyes. It can also be passed on by touching a contaminated countertop, doorknob and other surfaces, however this is not the main way the virus spreads.

How to protect your eyes:

Washing your hands, wearing a mask, and keeping you and your surroundings sanitized the best protection.

Wearing glasses: Wearing glasses has shown to help protect your eyes from respiratory droplets. If you do not wear glasses, consider (no power) blue block lenses or sunglasses.
Contact lenses: wearing contact lenses does not put you at more risk of COVID-19.Practice safe hygiene habits when wearing and caring for your contacts.
Don’t rub your eyes: Especially during COVID-19 closures, screen time for all age groups has significantly increased. Due to this, Dry eye Syndrome and symptoms associated with computer vision syndrome have significantly increased. Use moisturizing drops and warm compresses during the day to help you break the habit of eye rubbing.