Can the Novel Coronavirus be found in the Ocular Tissues and Secretions? An Opinion

Abstract

The novel coronavirus outbreak has reached pandemic proportions in a short time, like other respiratory viruses. Respiratory droplets transmit the virus; various body fluids and secretions such as nasopharyngeal swabs, stool, digestive tract, urine, saliva; few anecdotal reports indicate that the virus may be present in ocular secretions and possibilities of transmission by the lacrimal-pump mechanism through tears, thus posing a transmission risk. An exposed ocular surface acts as a gateway for various respiratory viruses. Looking at the nasolacrimal system anatomical and physiological aspects, it bridges the eye and respiratory tissues. Moreover, it can also share some common viral binding receptors. The eye is less frequently involved in SARS-CoV, and conjunctivitis is the only reported complication so far. The positivity of CoV RNA in conjunctival swabs tested by RT-PCR assay in confirmed SARS-CoV patients is low. The ocular route of coronavirus transmission and its detection in the ocular secretions is still controversial. In this narrative analysis, we reviewed the latest literature and explored an in-depth understanding of the ocular consequences of coronaviruses recorded up to now. The search took place for the corresponding journal through the use of the PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), Daily situations reports, IPC (Invention Prevention Control) guidelines, WHO (World health organization), and from other Internet Sources. To avoid community transmission risk, the general public must also take precautionary measures in relation to the pandemic COVID-19.