Ocular manifestations of COVID-۱۹: a narrative review

Background and Aim : Until now, seven types of CoVs are known to infect humans. Mostly lead to infections in the respiratory system. Many other viruses, such as adenovirus, enterovirus ۷۰, and H۱N۱, can cause ocular complaints besides systematic symptoms. According to recent reports, conjunctival congestion, conjunctivitis, epiphora, or chemosis are common ocular symptoms in COVID-۱۹ patients. Methods : A comprehensive search was done using the electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The keywords coronavirus infection, COVID-۱۹, SARS-CoV-۲, Ocular, conjunctivitis were used to identify Ocular diseases and Ocular manifestations articles of COVID-۱۹ for identifying and managing infected patients.Results : Based on this review study, in addition to lung, COVID-۱۹ can cause diseases in other organs, including the eyes, which subsequently leads to ocular diseases and manifestations like conjunctivitis, episcleritis, keratoconjunctivitis, etcetera. As the eyes are one of the possible routes for entrancing the virus to the host, ocular manifestations caused by virus entrance may be evidence of infection in the host. As a result, detecting and treating these ocular manifestations can prevent virus transmission.Conclusion : Although there is no documented evidence for possible SARS-CoV-۲ transmission via ocular secretion, it is probable to be infected by COVID-۱۹ from a confirmed COVID-۱۹ patient with conjunctivitis. Therefore, the use of Personal protective equipment (including Slit Lamps) and avoid touching the eyes before washing or disinfecting the hands with Alcohol-based hand sanitizers to prevent infection is recommended.

کلیدواژه ها:

COVID-۱۹ ، SARS-CoV-۲ ، Ocular ، conjunctivitis