Lacrimal dysfunction syndrome in patients with COVID-19 as an indicator of the severity of ocular ischemia

Abstract

To assess the state of lacrimal function of the organ of vision in patients suffering from COVID-19 at the time of manifestation of the disease. The study included 112 (224 eyes) patients without concurrent ophthalmic pathologies suffering from COVID-19 infection, they were examined at the time of manifestation of the disease. Study patients were divided into two groups depending on the presence or absence of concomitant somatic diseases. In addition to a comprehensive ophthalmological examination, all patients underwent Schirmer's test (I and II) to measure tear production rate. Analysis of the results of the study revealed that impaired tear production correlates with insufficient oxygenation of ocular tissues, regardless of patient's comorbid background. Active oxygen therapy performed in severe cases of the disease further exacerbates the process on the ocular surface. The decrease in tear production observed at the height of the COVID-19 disease in patients with severe and moderately severe course correlates with indicators of blood saturation and index of ischemia, allowing this parameter - the rate of tear production - to be considered as a criterion for the severity of ocular ischemia.