OCULAR MANIFESTATIONS OF CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID 19) AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN EASTERN INDIA

Abstract

Background: A Worldwide concern, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which is caused by a novel coronavirus termed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been also found to be associated with ocular signs and symptoms. Apart from being transmitted among close contacts via respiratory droplets, it is being considered that ocular mucosa, its secretions can also be responsible for transmission. Aims and objectives: To see the different ocular manifestations in patients admitted with COVID-19 infection at a tertiary care hospital along with presence of the virus in ocular secretions. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study on 80 patients admitted with SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosed by Reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive results and followed up during their hospital stay in COVID isolation wards, till discharge or death within a time period from 15th April,2020 to 10th August,2020. Results: Out of the 80 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients studied, 10(12.5%) patients had conjunctival chemosis, 8(10%) patients had conjunctival hyperaemia,12(15%) patients had epiphora and 9(11.25%) patients had increased ocular discharge. 5(6.25%) patients had positive results for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR in both conjunctival as well as nasopharyngeal swabs. Conclusion: Ocular involvement can be one of the different systemic involvements of SARS-CoV-2 infection and ocular secretion can be a potential source of transmission of the virus. Hence, ocular protection in the form of spectacles or face shields must be undertaken apart from the other barriers to reduce the possible chances of transmission of the disease.