Abstract
The spread of the new SARS-CoV-2 is marked by a short timeline. In this scenario, explaining or excluding the possible transmission routes is mandatory to contain and manage the spread of the disease in the community. In the recent pandemic, it is still unclear how coronavirus can end up in ocular fluids. Nevertheless, eye redness and irritation in COVID-19 patients have been reported, suggesting that a possible ocular manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection may be conjunctivitis. On the basis of epidemiological data provided by previous SARS-Cove infection, numerous theories have been proposed: (1) conjunctiva as the site of direct inoculation by infected droplets; (2) the nasolacrimal duct as a migration route of the virus to the upper respiratory tract, or (3) haematogenic infection of the tear gland. The demand for further investigations to verify ocular involvement in COVID-19 infection came out from the results of recent meta-analysis studies, so the eye cannot be completely excluded as a transmission route of the infection. Thus, healthcare personnel and all the people that enter in contact with infected or suspected patients must always use the prescribed protective equipment.
Highlights
The first cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were directly linked to an animal market in Wuhan, China
The higher mortality rate recorded in Italy over other countries can be explained, in part, by the older age distribution of the infected patients (5). These epidemiological data, together with those coming from other EU countries and United Kingdom, have allowed the formulation of the Risk Assessment by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), that pointed out how the risk of severe disease associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection for people in Europe is mild for the population and high for the seniors and those with chronic illnesses (6)
A more recent study cohort conducted by Valente et al on pediatric patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection hospitalized from 16th Mar to 15th Apr 2020, at the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital concluded that the ocular manifestations associated with the viral infection appear to have had a milder clinical course in pediatric patients than in adult patients showing the same symptoms (31)
Summary
Represent a Transmission Route of SARS-CoV-2 Infection? The spread of the new SARS-CoV-2 is marked by a short timeline. In this scenario, explaining or excluding the possible transmission routes is mandatory to contain and manage the spread of the disease in the community. It is still unclear how coronavirus can end up in ocular fluids. Eye redness and irritation in COVID-19 patients have been reported, suggesting that a possible ocular manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection may be conjunctivitis. The demand for further investigations to verify ocular involvement in COVID-19 infection came out from the results of recent meta-analysis studies, so the eye cannot be completely excluded as a transmission route of the infection.
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