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Human coronaviruses: ophthalmic manifestations
Mohd-Asyraaf Abdul-Kadir1, Lik Thai Lim1
1Ophthalmology Department, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia.
BMJ Open Ophthalmology
|November 16, 2020
Summary
COVID-19 can affect the eyes, though conjunctival inflammation is uncommon. Ocular transmission risk is low but present, necessitating clinician awareness and precautions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes a global pandemic.
- Coronaviruses are highly contagious, prompting investigation into potential ocular manifestations.
- Animal studies show varied eye complications, including anterior and posterior segment involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on eye involvement in COVID-19 and other human coronaviruses.
- To compare human and animal ocular manifestations and explore viral entry mechanisms.
- To raise clinician awareness regarding ocular signs and transmission risks of SARS-CoV-2.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of articles on COVID-19 and coronavirus ocular involvement.
- Analysis of human and animal studies, focusing on ophthalmic findings and viral mechanisms.
- Evaluation of evidence regarding ocular surface viral presence and tear sample diagnostic reliability.
Main Results:
- Conjunctival inflammation is an uncommon finding in COVID-19 patients.
- Ocular surface ACE2 expression and viral load suggest a low but present risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
- Tear sample testing for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis is currently unreliable due to kit limitations and conflicting viral titer data.
Conclusions:
- While rare, SARS-CoV-2 can manifest in the eyes, requiring further research for detailed understanding.
- Clinicians should be aware of potential ocular manifestations and implement precautions to minimize nosocomial transmission.
- Enhanced awareness and specific studies are crucial for managing ocular risks associated with SARS-CoV-2.
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