Can COVID-19 Cause Eye Infections and Other Eye Issues?

 

 The majority of the time, COVID's systemic symptoms, such as cough, fever, and exhaustion, as well as other well-known characteristics of the respiratory illness, are linked to eye symptoms. Symptoms of conjunctivitis, which frequently resemble pink eye, can arise when the virus is introduced to the eyes.

As we all know by now, COVID-19 has an impact on vital organs like the heart and lungs. The COVID-19, however, can also have an impact on your eyes and vision, did you know? The cornea and retina are the two outermost layers of the eye, according to recent research, and COVID-19 can impact them both. The effects of COVID-19 infection on ocular health are discussed below.

Can COVID-19 cause an eye infection:

It is true that COVID-19 can infect the eyes. COVID-19, like many other viruses, can cause conjunctivitis, also known as "pink eye." This occurs when the conjunctiva, the outer covering of the eye, becomes infected by the virus. The COVID-19 virus most frequently results in COVID-19 conjunctivitis.

If you have COVID-19 conjunctivitis, you may experience:

  •          Eye redness
  •          Itchiness
  •          Increased tearing/wateriness
  •          Feeling like something is stuck in your eye
  •          You might notice these symptoms in one or both eyes.

The conjunctivitis caused by COVID-19 cannot be treated with medicines. Over time, the infection will naturally go. Artificial tear drops may be suggested by your doctor to aid with some of your symptoms. Also, they'll keep your eyes moist, which is crucial for the general wellbeing of your eyes.

The most common eye problems linked to COVID-19:

COVID-19 patients will either develop COVID-19 conjunctivitis or another eye problem. While COVID-19 conjunctivitis is the most frequent eye illness the COVID-19 virus causes, other conditions that patients experience include: Dry eyes may develop over time as a result of COVID-19. For those who already have dry eye, COVID-19 can make it worse.

Damage to the corneal nerve: This may cause hazy vision and eye pain. Damage to the corneal nerve increases the risk of eye infections and increases the possibility of corneal scarring.

Uveitis: Uveitis is an inflammation of the front of the eye. Eye pain, light sensitivity, and redness are symptoms of uveitis. Vision loss may result from uveitis.

Retinal changes: The retina is the area at the back of the eye where images are processed. The retina may bleed and become inflamed as a result of COVID-19. This might impair your vision.

Pandemic-related lifestyle changes contribute to eye problems: Sadly, a lot of the adjustments we've made to protect ourselves from COVID-19 might lead to dry eyes. Eye pain, blurred vision, and itching are common symptoms of dry eye. With time, cornea and vision impairment brought on by dry eye can occur.

During the epidemic, more screen use may make dry eye symptoms worse. This is due to the fact that we blink less frequently when using a screen or working up close than when performing other tasks.

It is crucial to use a mask when fighting COVID-19, but doing so can exacerbate dry eye problems. This typically occurs when a mask is overly loose. Dry eyes are brought on by a loose mask that allows air to enter your eyes directly and evaporates your natural tears.

Some things you can do to help to prevent dry eye include:

  •          Taking breaks from screens
  •          Using artificial tears to keep your eyes lubricated
  •          Making sure your mask fits snugly around your nose and mouth

Eyesight during Covid : Vision blurriness or wet eyes could be brought on by conjunctivitis brought on by Covid. If your vision changes in any way, refrain from driving, and if your eye issues don't improve, visit an optician.

Vision after Covid:  After using Covid, some patients have described longer-term alterations in their vision. The harm done to the eye can result in alterations in the retina, photophobia (light sensitivity), and a general decline in eye health. The delicate tissues in the eyes could be harmed and developed disease as a result of compromised oxygen levels brought on by severe COVID-19.

What can you do to preserve your vision following a COVID-19 diagnosis?

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with COVID-19, there are several things you can do to protect your eyes:

  •          Avoid touching your eyes, as much as possible.
  •          Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  •          If you wear contact lenses, make sure you are cleaning and storing your lenses properly.
  •          Don’t share towels or other personal items that go near your face and eyes.

See an eye doctor for a full eye checkup if you begin to experience any new symptoms, such as hazy vision, eye pain, or redness. With the aid of a thorough eye exam, your eye doctor will be able to diagnose you and begin the proper course of care, which may involve prescribing eye drops.

Make sure to follow the instructions if your eye doctor prescribes artificial tears or eye drops. You may protect your eyes and your vision by using eye drops. Get in touch with your eye doctor straight away if you discover that your symptoms are getting worse despite your therapy.


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