Ocular Features and Associated Systemic Findings in SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Michele Cavalleri, Maria Brambati, Vincenzo Starace, Luigi Capone, Francesco Nadin, Matteo Pederzolli, Francesca Gorgoni, Carlo Di Biase, Eleonora Corbelli, Marco Battista, Alessio Grazioli Moretti, Domenico Grosso, Francesco Bandello
Abstract
PURPOSES: To describe the prevalence of ocular features among COVID-19 patients and their relationship with clinical data, inflammatory markers and respiratory support therapy (including CPAP); to investigate SARS-CoV-2 in ocular secretions of symptomatic patients. METHODS: 172 COVID-19 patients were evaluated for presence of ocular manifestations. Clinical and laboratory data were also reviewed. Conjunctival swabs were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. RESULTS: <.01). The presence of ocular symptoms was not associated with more significant alterations on blood tests. Conjunctival swabs from patients with suspect conjunctivitis yielded negative results for SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular features are not infrequent in COVID-19 patients, but the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in ocular secretions is low. Ocular manifestations in hospitalized COVID-19 patients can also be a consequence of respiratory support therapy. Prevention of possible transmission through ocular secretions is still recommended.