COVID-19 and Pink Eye: Are You Overlooking A Symptom of This Virus?

It needs no introduction. Across the globe everyone's lives have been impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic known as COVID-19. With cases in the US rapidly increasing every minute, the concern on most everyone’s minds is staying healthy and preventing further spread of this disease. So here’s a quick run down of some of the hot points you should know including a lesser known eye related symptom.

Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a newly existing type of virus from the coronavirus family. There are many different types of coronaviruses that can cause illnesses ranging from mild respiratory infections like the cold to more severe diseases such as SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome).

Coronaviruses get their name from their microscopic appearance due to the fact that they are covered in pointed structures that surround them like a corona, or crown. COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, China in December of 2019 and has since spread globally devastating a staggering amount of individuals, families, and businesses. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 nor is there any specific treatment on hand to cure it.

Research is ongoing, but currently it has been found that the novel coronavirus is spread mainly from person to person contact ( or within a proximity of 6 feet) through droplets produced from coughing or sneezing.

It is also possible to become infected with COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your own eyes, nose, or mouth.

What’s more, the incubation period for this illness is within 14 days which means a person can be carrying the virus and be contagious long before symptoms even appear.

This is why it has become so important to practice social and physical distancing even if you or someone else isn’t presently exhibiting any symptoms.

Speaking of exhibiting symptoms - what kind of symptoms can you expect to see? The most common symptoms of this coronavirus are similar to that of upper respiratory infections including:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

We’re mostly familiar with the above top three symptoms. But could there be other signs and symptoms of COVID-19 that could clue us in on something being wrong? Other commonly reported findings include:

• Extreme fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Nausea and/or diarrhea

What About Pink Eye?

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology , COVID-19 can also cause conjunctivitis aka pink eye. It is a more rare symptom, but serious nonetheless as the virus can be spread through aerosol contact with the conjunctiva - the thin clear membrane that lines the eyelids and whites of the eyes.

In a Journal of Medical Virology study, the tear secretions of a person infected with both COVID-19 and conjunctivitis were tested and confirmed to contain COVID-19. This suggests that COVID-19 can actually infect the conjunctiva resulting in highly infectious ocular secretions. Another story published recently from CNN Health recounted an interview with a registered nurse who stated that a “red eye” was a common symptom in elderly patients who then became infected with the virus.

 With the eyes, nose, and mouth being a point of entry for this virus, Dr. McGee recommends contact lens wearers switch to glasses during this pandemic to avoid extra unnecessary contact .

• If you are sick, have been exposed to someone who is sick, have traveled to a highly affected area, or feel like you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 - STAY HOME. This can’t be stressed enough.
  
  
• Avoid unnecessary touching of the nose, eyes, and mouth and be sure hands are clean when doing so.
  
  
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Alternatively, an alcohol based hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol can be used if soap and water are not available.
  
  
• Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly - especially those that are frequently touched such as doorknobs.
  
  
• Cover your cough and/or sneezes with the bend of your elbow or a clean tissue that you can immediately discard.
  
  
• Stay home as much as possible and reduce visitors.
  
  
• Work from home if possible.
  
  
• Utilize grocery delivery, pickup, or avoid going during peak hours.
  
  
• Wear a mask if you are caring for someone with respiratory symptoms.

We thought it might be best to leave this to the experts. If you or a loved one thinks they might be sick check out the CDC’s guidelines for what to do here.

BeSpoke Vision serves the entire metro Oklahoma City area, providing optometric health services and amazing eyewear. Learn more about eye diseases on our website. If you have questions about pink eye, please contact us at 405-341-2062.