The new coronavirus behind the pandemic causes a respiratory
illness called COVID-19. Its most common symptoms are a fever, coughing, and
breathing problems. Rarely, it also can cause an eye infection called
conjunctivitis. Based on data so far, doctors believe that 1%-3% of people with COVID-19 will get
conjunctivitis, also called pinkeye. It happens when the virus infects a
tissue called conjunctiva, which covers the white part of your eye or the
inside of your eyelids.
Symptoms are:
- · Red
- · Swollen
- · Itchy
If you have conjunctivitis, it doesn’t necessarily mean you
have COVID-19. The more likely causes are the many different viruses, bacteria,
chemicals, and allergens that can irritate your eyes. Many forms of
conjunctivitis go away with over-the-counter treatments in about 1-2 weeks. But
if you also have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, ask your doctor what,
if anything, you should do. Call before you head to a hospital or a medical
center to see if it’s safe for you to visit and for any instructions for your
arrival.
The new coronavirus, named SARS-CoV-2, gets passed on
primarily through droplets from a cough or a sneeze. These particles most often
enter through your nose or mouth as well as your eyes. It’s also possible to
catch the virus if you touch a contaminated countertop, doorknob, or other
surfaces. But this doesn’t seem to be the main way the virus spreads.
If you have conjunctivitis from COVID-19, you may infect
others with SARS-CoV-2 if you touch your eyes and then touch people or surfaces
without washing or disinfecting your hands. Avoid touching your face,
especially the mucous membranes in your mouth, nose, and eyes.
How to Protect Your Eyes
Guarding your eyes — as well as your hands, nose, and mouth
— can slow the spread of coronavirus. Here are some ways to you can keep your
eyes safe and healthy during this coronavirus outbreak. Like everyone, be sure
to wash your hands often and stay home whenever you can. If you go out, keep 6
feet away from others.
It also may be a good idea to:
Wear glasses. If
you wear contact lenses, switch to glasses for a bit. That may help keep your
hands away from your eyes. Also, the lenses may help protect your eyes from any
respiratory droplets. If you don’t wear glasses, try sunglasses. And if you’re
caring for someone ill, don safety glasses or goggles.
Stock up eye
medication. Check with your insurer to see if you can refill glaucoma drops
and other essential prescriptions in advance. You might be able to get a
3-month supply. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for any help.
Don’t rub your eyes.
It can be a hard habit to break. Moistening drops may help ease itchiness. Wash
your hands for 20 seconds before and after you do it. If you must touch your
eyes, use a tissue instead of your fingers.
Expect changes to eye exams and procedures
You should wear a mask to your appointment. If
you do not have a mask, one may be provided for you.
·
The clinic may ask you to wait outside, or in
your car, instead of in the normal waiting room. This is to protect you, the
other patients, and the office staff from possible virus exposure in crowded
waiting areas.
·
The clinic is likely restricting the number of
people that enter. If you do not need someone to be there with you for the
actual appointment, please do not bring anyone into the building with you.
·
Your temperature may be checked on entry to the
building.
·
Your eye doctor may use a special plastic breath
shield on the slit lamp machine they use to look into your eyes. They will also
wear a mask, and may also wear gloves, goggles or a plastic shield over their
eyes.
·
Your doctor may ask you to wait to speak until
after your eye exam is complete. Then they can talk with you and answer
questions when they can be a safe distance from you.
You will be asked to follow certain precautions
·
If you have a cough or a fever, or have been in
close contact with someone who has these symptoms, you must call your doctor’s
office ahead of time and let them know. If your visit is not an emergency, you
may need to stay home.
·
If you arrive sick, your doctor may ask you to
return home. If you have a problem that cannot wait to be seen, you will be
asked to wait in a special room away from other patients. The clinic staff and
your physician may wear additional protective equipment, such as gowns and
gloves.
·
If you need to cough or sneeze during your exam,
move back from the slit lamp microscope machine. Bury your face in the crook of
your arm or cover your face with a tissue. Wash your hands with soap and water
right away.
Li Wenliang, MD, Ophthalmologist, Wuhan
The 33-year-old doctor was the first to raise the alarm
about the coronavirus in late December 2019. Using the Chinese social media
platform Weibo, Li attempted to warn his colleagues about a cluster of
SARS-like pneumonia cases. As his posts went viral, he realized that he “would
probably be punished." Within days, he was summoned by Chinese officials
and forced to sign a letter accusing him of "making false comments"
that had "severely disturbed the social order". A copy of that letter
was later posted on Weibo.
Following the incident, Dr. Li returned to work and,
unfortunately, contracted the virus from an asymptomatic glaucoma patient in
early January. In several interviews with Chinese media, he said that the
patient eventually developed a fever and CT scans showed an unknown virus in
her lung. Soon after, he started coughing, became febrile and was hospitalized.
Tests confirmed he was infected with the coronavirus on Jan. 31. Wuhan Central Hospital
confirmed his death on February 7 after a series of conflicting reports about
his condition.
The news of his demise has sparked a public outpouring of
anger and grief. Many have hailed him a martyr and a national hero for his
attempts to warn the public.
