Every day we meet some secondary effect more that comes after having suffered the Covid-19 and that lasts over time. To this day we know that the coronavirus has the respiratory system as its main target. In addition, some studies have confirmed that it can also cause hearing problems.
But also people who fall ill with severe coronavirus register significant eye abnormalities. Well, according to experts, it would first affect the respiratory system and then it can spread to the eyes, causing eye abnormalities such as conjunctivitis, O retinopathy, a pathology of the retina that can cause loss of vision.
Specifically the
Quirónsalud Hospital of Córdoba
has issued a press release confirming that the 30% of patients diagnosed with Covid-19 present eye disorders such as viral follicular conjunctivitis, which is the most common.
Manuel Bergillos, an ophthalmologist at the aforementioned hospital, explains in the statement that the existence of SARS-COV-2 in conjunctival samples and tears is known, so that its transmission through ocular secretions can occur.
“Being a virus that is easily spread, contagion through the eye is a real possibility, so it is very important that, especially health personnel, follow eye protection measures”, Stressed the expert, who has stressed that“ eye damage related to the Covid-19 virus can occur directly in the ocular structures or by blood reaching the lacrimal gland ”.
Therefore, as the hospital institution emphasizes in a statement, “the eyes can be affected by SARS-CoV-2 from primary way, coming into direct contact with the ocular surface and the local immune system ”, which can cause a viral follicular conjunctivitis with tearing, conjunctival hyperemia (redness of the conjunctiva, which is the membrane that covers the eye), and chemosis (swelling of the the conjunctiva by the accumulation of substances that are generated by inflammation) ”. Later, Bergillos indicates that the virus “can be carried to the respiratory tract through the lacrimal route.”
The doctor explains that this follicular conjunctivitis is similar to that caused by other viruses, so does not require a different treatment to the rest of viral conjunctivitis.
Although according to the expert, it can also occur secondary ocular involvement, reaching the main lacrimal gland through the bloodstream, as well as other ocular tissues such as the retina, the uvea, and the optic nerve.
“In the presence of the virus endogenously, the most frequent clinical manifestation is also non-specific viral follicular and bilateral conjunctivitis, with symptoms such as red eye, foreign body sensation, abundant tearing and blurred vision,” explains Dr. Bergillos, who maintains that “in these cases there may be retinitis (inflammation of the retina) with microbleeds, and other alterations visible to the ophthalmologist in other layers of the retina” or even an “involvement of the cornea and anterior uveitis”, something that, due to moment, “It’s not Common”.
Comply with security measures
From the Quirónsalud Hospital in Córdoba they remember that it is important comply with security measures to avoid getting Covid-19 and thus avoid these eye problems.
Therefore, they remember that it is very important to insist on the hand washing, since the SARS-CoV-2 virus can be spread by aerosols and drops that we expel when we speak or sneeze, and get deposited on objects.
“When we touch a contaminated object and we put those hands or fingers to our face, for example, to our eyes, we can infect them with the virus. That is why it is extremely important to use masks, not to put your hands to your face as much as possible, and to always wash your hands ”, Dr. Manuel Bergillos points out.
The importance of eye examinations
This specialist explains that, in these severe Covid-19 patients, a eye exam to provide appropriate treatment and management of potentially serious ophthalmologic manifestations of coronavirus.
Specifically, the expert emphasizes that, after suffering the disease, it is precise perform eye checks to check that there has been no longer-term damage both by the virus and by the medication that has been used. “Problems such as corneal deposits, cataracts, malfunctioning of the ciliary body, causing hypotension in some cases, in others there can be transient ocular hypertension, retinopathy (retinal involvement)”, emphasizes Bergillos.
In short, this ophthalmologist from the Quirónsalud Córdoba Hospital reminds us that it is important “perform timely treatment“In the event of any of these complications,” which are rare and generally remit well in a moderate amount of time. ”
Therefore, after having suffered from Covid-19, in the event of any doubt about eye problems or the appearance of any symptoms, this hospital institution recommends consult a specialist.
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