Ophthalmic manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

Abstract

The world has been dealing with the pandemic of COVID-19 since December 2019. The systemic manifestations of the disease are well known. Our study aims to evaluate the ocular manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). This cross-sectional observational study comprised of 60 subjects that tested positive for COVID-19 by RT-PCR, and admitted to the general wards of a tertiary care hospital of South India. Relevant medical history, ocular history, symptoms, signs and blood investigations data were obtained by communicating directly with the subjects and patient files. Ocular examination was done using diffuse torch light.15% patients presented with conjunctivitis in association with increased conjunctival secretion, tearing and burning sensation. 3.33% patients presented with dry eye disease and orbital cellulitis each. 1.67% patients developed epiphora, cavernous sinus thrombosis and orbital cellulitis with retinal detachment each. A statistically significant correlation was found between the provisional diagnosis and C-reactive protein (CRP) values.Conjunctival congestion can be one of the ocular symptoms of COVID-19. Asymptomatic COVID-19 patients may primarily present to an ophthalmologist with red eye, thus universal precautions must be taken while examining such cases. Evaluation of symptomatic patients with orbital cellulitis and cavernous sinus thrombosis can further aid in understanding the ophthalmic implications, pathogenesis and systemic involvement of this disease.