The Sequelae of Bilateral Conjunctivitis as an Initial Presentation of Presumed COVID-19 Positive Female

Abstract

Background and ObjectivePresented is a case of a 28-year-old female, who was diagnosed with presumed COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) and the sequelae of her bilateral conjunctivitis. Since December 2019, the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 has swept worldwide, infecting over 170 million to date and counting. It has been discovered that the virus can make its way to the eyes due to an abundance of human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 on the conjunctiva. There are limited reports accounting for bilateral keratocon-junctivitis associated with SARS-CoV-2, and even less reporting as the initial symptom and the sequelae of the ocular findings that can be associated with a COVID-19 positive patient. In this report, the signs, symptoms, management, and treatment of COVID-19 related keratoconjunctivitis will be discussed. MethodsPresented is a case of a 28-year-old female diagnosed with presumed COVID-19 and the sequelae of her bilateral conjunctivitis.ResultA 28-year-old female initially presented to her local emergency room on 7/9/2020 for bilateral red eyes and loss of taste and smell. She tested positive for COVID-19 at that time via a polymerase chain reaction nasopharyngeal swab. There was no conjunctival swab or serology testing of her tears performed. Her ocular symptoms persisted for an additional 3 weeks when she finally presented to our clinic, with bilateral keratoconjunctivitis, after testing negative for the virus 14 days prior.ConclusionThis case presents findings of an initial presentation of bilateral conjunctivitis secondary to presumed COVID-19. The sequelae of the patient’s ocular findings after testing negative for COVID-19 were of specific interest. This case provides a resource to help guide eye care professionals in proper questioning of those diagnosed with COVID-19 about ocular symptoms they had initially, as well as symptoms that occurred after systemic resolution of the virus infection. Furthermore, this case can help educate eye care professionals on the possible sequalae, management, and treatment of COVID-19-related keratoconjunctivitis to ensure full resolution of its effect and provide a good visual outcome for patients. We will continue to learn more about COVID-19 and its effects on the eye as well as the effect of COVID-19 vaccines on ocular manifestations of the virus.