Many people are now aware of how a COVID-19 infection can affect many parts of the body. While we all wait with baited breath for the vaccine rollout, spotting potential symptoms of the novel coronavirus is key. The eyes are said to hold many clues as to one’s health and could indicate a COVID-19 infection. What to look out for?
In a study published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, sore eyes as the most significant ocular symptom experienced by people with COVID-19 was further investigated.
The study noted: “Conjunctivitis has been reported in people suffering from COVID-19.
“However, many ocular symptoms are associated with the term ‘conjunctivitis’ which may be misleading.
“It is also unknown whether ocular symptoms were different in chronic sufferers of anterior eye diseases, when they were experienced or how long they lasted for compared with other COVID-19 symptoms.
“The three most common ocular symptoms experienced by participants were photophobia (18 percent), sore eyes (16 percent) and itchy eyes (17 percent).
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What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by infection or allergies, explains the NHS.
The national health body continued: “It usually gets better in a couple of weeks without treatment.
“Symptoms include:
- Bloodshot
- Burn or feel gritty
- Produce pus that sticks to lashes
- Itch
- Watery.
Don’t assume that all red, irritated, or swollen eyes are necessarily an infection from COVID-19.
Symptoms could also be caused by seasonal allergies, a sty, iritis, chalazion (inflammation of the gland along the eyelid), or blepharitis (an inflammation or infection of the skin along the eyelid).
These conditions aren’t contagious.
If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus, get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible.
You and anyone you live with should stay at home and not have visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test.