"Red Eyes and Gritty Sensation"... COVID-19 Symptoms Also Appear in the Eyes

[Image source=Pixabay]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] A study has found that COVID-19 infection can cause not only headaches and sore throat but also eye-related symptoms.

According to a paper published in an international academic journal (Ocular Manifestations of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis), a meta-analysis of 38 studies involving a total of 8,219 patients showed that about 11% (932 patients) experienced eye-related symptoms.

Among the 932 patients with eye-related symptoms, approximately 89% suffered from conjunctivitis. The main symptoms included dry eyes and foreign body sensation (16%), redness (13.3%), tearing (12.8%), itching (12.6%), eye pain (9.6%), discharge (8.8%), and visual disturbances and decreased vision (8.2%).

According to ophthalmologists, common causes of conjunctivitis include exposure to allergens such as house dust mites or pollen, or contact with viruses or bacteria, but conjunctivitis symptoms can also appear in COVID-19 patients.

When conjunctivitis occurs, the eyes may become red or watery, and in severe cases, bleeding may occur. A sensation of sand or foreign particles in the eyes and pain can also develop.

When conjunctivitis symptoms appear, applying ice packs around the eyes can help alleviate the symptoms. Additionally, if self-isolation prevents going outside, specialists recommend using a humidifier or cold artificial tears, or receiving telemedicine consultations.

Meanwhile, people infected with the COVID-19 virus, including the Omicron variant, report a variety of symptoms. The medical community agrees that symptoms vary depending on individual immunity and health status at the time of infection.

According to the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, nasal congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. Symptoms differ from person to person, and some individuals may not show any symptoms at all.