SARS-CoV-2 and the Eye: Implications for the Retina Specialist from Human Coronavirus Outbreaks and Animal Models

The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has escalated rapidly since December 2019. Understanding the ophthalmic manifestations in patients and animal models of the novel coronavirus may have implications for disease surveillance. Recognition of the potential for viral transmission through the tear film has ramification for protection of patients, physicians, and the public.

Information from relevant published journal articles was surveyed using a computerized PubMed search and public health websites. We summarize current knowledge of ophthalmic manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients and animal models, risk mitigation measures for patients and their providers, and implications for retina specialists.

SARS-CoV-2 is efficiently transmitted among humans, and while the clinical course is mild in the majority of infected patients, severe complications including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and death can ensue, most often in elderly patients and individuals with co-morbidities. Conjunctivitis occurs in a small minority of patients with COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been identified primarily in association with conjunctivitis. Uveitis has been observed in animal models of coronavirus infection and cotton-wool spots have been reported recently.

SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses have been rarely associated with conjunctivitis. The identification of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the tear film of patients and its highly efficient transmission via respiratory aerosols supports eye protection, mask and gloves as part of infection prevention and control recommendations for retina providers. Disease surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak may also include ongoing evaluation for uveitis and retinal disease given prior findings observed in animal models and a recent report of retinal manifestations.